The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by Las Piñas resident John Barry Tayam questioning the increase in garbage collection fees in Manila, citing lack of legal standing, factual issues, and violation of the hierarchy of courts.
In a resolution issued on February 25 and released on March 16, the High Court ruled that Tayam’s challenge to Manila City Ordinance No. 9151 failed to meet the basic requirements of judicial review.
Tayam alleged that the ordinance, enacted in 2025, imposed a 1,200 percent increase in fees without proper publication and violated provisions of the Civil Code, the Local Government Code, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. He also argued that the measure disregarded barangay roles in waste management.
However, the Court said Tayam had no legal standing since the ordinance applies only to businesses, service agencies, and residences within Manila, and he neither resides nor operates a business there.
To establish standing, the Court explained, a petitioner must show a personal and substantial interest in the case and prove direct impact from the government action.
The SC also rejected Tayam’s claim that the petition qualified as a taxpayer’s suit, noting that the ordinance is a regulatory measure rather than a tax or revenue measure.
It further ruled that the case did not involve matters of “transcendental importance,” as the issues raised required factual determination, such as whether the ordinance was properly published or whether fees exceeded regulatory costs—matters that must be addressed by lower courts.
The High Court concluded: “For these reasons, the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition is dismissed. Consequently, the application for the issuance of a temporary restraining order is denied.”