New and returning Metro Manila mayors wasted no time as they took action on their first day in office, June 30.
In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso alleged that the previous administration under former Mayor Honey Lacuna left behind ₱950 million in unpaid obligations, primarily related to waste management services.
“Ang bayaring kakaharapin natin at hindi na kinaya rin ng mga naturang kumpanya ang malaking operasyon ng pagkolekta ng basura ay tumataginting na P950 million,” Domagoso revealed via Facebook Live.
He also conducted a citywide inspection and initiated flushing and cleaning operations in major areas such as Taft Avenue, R-10, España, and Welcome Rotonda.
Meanwhile, in Pasig, Mayor Vico Sotto was sworn in for his third and final term. During his inaugural speech, Sotto extended an olive branch to the Discaya family, his recent political opponents and owners of St. Gerrard Construction, but demanded accountability first.
“Ngunit, ngunit, kailangan may managot sa mga krimen na naganap. Una na po dyan, nag-viral lang ‘yung building permit na ‘yan eh. Pero hindi naman ‘yan ‘yung talagang problema. ‘Yung bilyon-bilyong piso ng buwis na utang ninyo sa nasyonal at lokal na pamahalaan, bayaran ninyo,” Sotto declared.
He also confirmed he will not run in the 2028 elections: “Ngayon, wala nang politika. 2028, hindi ako tatakbo. Ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na sa inyo.”
In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte was sworn in for her final term and called for stronger local governance.
“Let’s make these the best three years for our city. Together, we will build a Quezon City that is not only stronger and more progressive, but also kinder and more hopeful— a city that proves, every single day, that no challenge is impossible and no dream is too far to reach,” Belmonte said.
In Makati, former Senator and now Mayor Nancy Binay officially began her term by granting a 60-day extension to casual, job order, and contractual employees, and a 30-day extension to consultants.
She also announced a city hall performance review to evaluate staff moving forward.
