President Bongbong Marcos said fines for littering shouldn’t be increased until the country’s waste disposal and collection systems are improved — a response to the MMDA’s push for stricter penalties, including a 2025 Metro Manila Council resolution setting a uniform ₱5,000 fine across the region’s 16 cities.
He made the remarks while inspecting cleanup operations along the Baclaran River in Parañaque, where crews cleared heavy trash buildup left by the southwest monsoon rains.
“It’s not useful to fine people for not throwing their garbage if there is no place to put their garbage. Of course, people are aware that there are fines. No one wants to be fined,” Marcos said.
The President emphasized the need for a more organized garbage collection and disposal system, citing Japan as an example of a country with effective waste management facilities.
“But we also need to provide facilities where people can properly dispose of their garbage. Sometimes, it’s really that simple. Sometimes, the problem is just that simple,” he added.
The Baclaran River cleanup came as national government agencies and local authorities continued clearing waterways affected by garbage and debris following heavy rains that caused flooding in parts of Metro Manila.
The accumulation of waste in the river raised concerns over how improperly disposed garbage can obstruct waterways and contribute to flooding during periods of intense rainfall. Marcos acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but said he would not describe it as a garbage crisis.
“Yeah, it certainly is. Just look at it. Does that look critical to you? It does to me,” Marcos said.
Trash buildup, on top of poor flood-control projects, worsened the recent flooding. Parañaque had removed 188 truckloads, or nearly 700 metric tons of garbage, from the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran as of 7 p.m. Wednesday following days of heavy rain
