MANILA – Leonel Waste Management Corporation, the garbage contractor accused by the city government of Manila of supposedly abandoning its duties during the holidays, has denied the allegations, asserting that the local government still has over PHP561 million in unpaid dues.
In a statement Monday, Leonel strongly repudiated the accusations which it said “grossly undermines the hard work and efforts” of all its garbage collectors.
“In fact, last December 23, 2024, when we announced to our employees that our contract of service is ending on December 31, 2024, we mandated them to continue doing our usual services until the end of our contract, especially in anticipation of the usual surge of garbage brought about by the holiday season,” Leonel said.
The waste firm said it met with Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna in September 2024 to inform the local government that it will no longer participate in the 2025 contract bidding, citing the city’s “mounting unpaid obligations” and to accord the new service provider a smooth transition.
“Our company, Leonel, has always put our clients first and has never, nor will ever, abandon our duty of garbage collection,” it said.
“We have faithfully served our contract until December 31, 2024 despite the City of Manila’s total debt to our company amounting to PHP561,440,000,” it added.
“Our fulfillment of our obligations is well-documented with timestamped photos and Barangay Certifications signed by their representatives. Ultimately, the residents of the City of Manila can attest that Leonel did not abandon its duty,” it said.
Lacuna, in a statement on Sunday, accused the waste firm of abandoning its garbage collection responsibilities amidst a 400-percent surge in waste volume during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. (PNA)