MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday said he will ask the city council to declare a state of public health emergency as the city grapples with a full-blown garbage crisis stemming from nearly ₱950 million in unpaid debts.

On his first day back in office, Domagoso said the scale of the waste problem posed an immediate threat to public health and sanitation in the nation’s capital. “The truth is, Manila’s garbage problem is far worse than many realize,” the mayor said in a press briefing. “We’re now facing an imminent public health threat. Starting today, no garbage will be collected unless we act fast.”

Two major waste contractors — PhilEco Metro Waste Management and Metro Waste Solid Waste Management Corp. — have reportedly terminated their contracts with the city due to non-payment for services rendered since February 2025. Both companies said they would cease garbage collection beginning July 1.

Domagoso also confirmed that a previous provider, Leonel Waste Management, had already pulled out in December 2024 after the city failed to settle an outstanding ₱561 million.

“This is not about politics or elections. It’s about the health and safety of our families,” Domagoso emphasized. He directed barangay officials to begin immediate cleanup operations in their respective communities. “Clean your streets, your creeks, and your canals. Let’s do it together.”

With 2,000 metric tons of garbage produced daily in Manila and waste piling up across various districts, Domagoso revealed that he had personally appealed to Leonel Waste Management to help the city once again — even without pay. “I asked them, for old times’ sake, to help us today, free of charge,” he said.

The mayor is now working with the city council to formalize the declaration of a public health emergency, which would allow Manila to mobilize emergency resources and negotiate temporary waste solutions while resolving the financial issues left by the previous administration.