Pasig drowning in ‘waves’ of trash

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Vico Sotto is demanding an explanation from the city’s contractor for garbage collection after residents complained about Pasig’s streets being awash in “waves” of garbage.

In a statement posted on Facebook yesterday, Sotto said more than 50 notice of violation tickets, with corresponding fines, were filed from Dec. 18 to 30. City government records identify the contractor as IPM Construction & Development Corp.

Pasig’s residents took to social media to air their grievances, with one saying children are falling ill from the uncollected garbage and its foul smell.

Some Facebook users reported that the garbage trucks have been “missing” for days, particularly in Barangay Manggahan.

“They used to collect garbage almost every day. Now you could see trash scattered everywhere. Please make this a priority,” a netizen said.

Sotto said that “on the next non-holiday, we will formally ask the contractor to give us an official explanation as to the worsening collection. What they are saying is they have problems on the truck or they are lacking in crew.”

He asked his constituents for patience and to stop spreading rumors. 

“The only thing I can confirm at this point is that their contract will end this February 2020 and we are having a real public bidding for this soon,” he said. 

The mayor added that the city government is working on “procuring garbage trucks for backup collection when needed.”