President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Philippines’ deteriorating waste management situation, emphasizing that stiffer penalties for illegal dumping must be paired with adequate disposal facilities.
Inspecting cleanup operations at the Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City on Wednesday, August 12, Marcos observed that the vast volume of trash presents a severe challenge.
“Yeah, it’s certainly. Just look at it— it does not look critical to you, but it does to me,” he said.
“I wouldn’t call it a garbage crisis, but that is the problem that we are facing,” he added.
Infrastructure First Over Stricter Penalties
When asked about proposals to hike fines for littering and illegal waste disposal, the President noted that harsher punishments remain ineffective if citizens lack proper places to throw their garbage.
“The problem kung minsan walang basurahan, walang pupuntahan, walang paglalagyan ng basura,” he said.
He stressed that the government must prioritize building accessible trash infrastructure, as the public already wants to avoid financial penalties.
“So, that’s what… of course, people are aware that there are fines. Nobody wants to be fined, wala namang gusto na mamumultahan. Pero kailangan bigyan din natin ng facilities na kung saan puwede itapon iyong basura,” he said.
To provide a long-term solution to overflowing landfills and rising hauling costs, the administration is focusing on waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities. The President confirmed that technical plans are finalized, site identification is underway, and local government coordination is being established to minimize transport expenses.
The Department of Energy is expected to auction off power generated by WTE plants in the coming months, with initial results projected within 12 to 18 months.
Impact on Flood Control Infrastructure
Marcos highlighted the direct connection between uncollected garbage and severe flooding, warning that debris clogs drainage pumping stations and cripples flood mitigation efforts.
Although dredging of canals, esteros, and waterways has resumed after a 12-year suspension, cleared paths will clog again unless trash is intercepted early.
“We have to go through the entire process kung saan kayang makuha ang basura na bago pumasok dito sa city, bago mapunta, mabara iyong ating mga pumping stations,” he said.
The President revealed that the Diokno Pumping Station had sat unused since its construction until it was activated during last year’s typhoon season, where it was immediately inundated by Manila Bay debris.
He noted that several other flood mitigation structures across the country have sat idle for years and require rehabilitation, adding that the official reason given for the Diokno station’s long-standing inactivity was a lack of fuel funding.
“Eh, hindi ko na malaman kung saan napunta ‘yung budget na ‘yon,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive assured the public that the government remains committed to restoring key facilities and deploying regional flood control strategies nationwide.