Waste collection firm denies it abandoned duty

LEONEL Waste Management Corp., the garbage collection service provider for the city of Manila for the past 25 years, has denied allegations by the city government that it abandoned its contract obligations prior to the deal's expiration on Dec. 31, 2024.

This controversy erupted after the city government claimed that Leonel abruptly halted its garbage collection services, leaving portions of Manila choking with uncollected trash during the holiday season.

City officials accused the company of prematurely withdrawing its operations that resulted in disruptions of waste collection services.

In response, Leonel management said that it had informed its employees as early as Dec. 23, 2024, that their services would continue uninterrupted until Dec. 31, 2024.

Leonel showed documentary evidence — including time-stamped photos and barangay certifications — to support its compliance with the contract.

Also, Leonel clarified its decision, communicated to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna in September 2024, to not participate in the 2025 bidding process for waste management services due to the city's mounting unpaid obligations to the firm totaling P561,440,000.

It further said that its advance notice was aimed at giving the city ample time to transition to a new service provider and prevent any disruption in waste collection services.