Senator Imee Marcos has formally called for a Senate investigation into the catastrophic garbage landslide in Cebu City, which has claimed the lives of eight individuals. The move aims to uncover the causes behind the disaster and push for systemic reforms in the country's solid waste management.
Senate Resolution Filed for Binaliw Landslide
On Monday, January 12, 2026, Senator Marcos introduced Senate Resolution No. 244. The resolution urges a thorough inquiry to determine if the operations at the Barangay Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City complied with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003). "The lives lost in Cebu demand clear answers and real reforms," the senator stated emphatically.
Marcos highlighted the persistent national crisis in garbage disposal. Despite efforts by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and local government units, the country continues to grapple with rising waste volumes and a critical lack of infrastructure.
The Search for Answers and Advanced Solutions
The tragic incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when a section of the Binaliw landfill collapsed. The landslide resulted in eight confirmed fatalities, while 28 people remained missing as search, rescue, and retrieval operations continued into the week.
In her resolution, Senator Marcos pointed to modern technologies adopted by other nations as viable solutions for the Philippines. She cited Singapore, Japan, and Germany, which have successfully implemented waste-to-energy technologies like controlled incineration systems. These methods can reduce waste volume by a staggering 70 to 90 percent, offering a dual benefit of waste reduction and energy generation.
A Push for Systemic Reform
This tragedy has cast a harsh spotlight on the long-standing failures in enforcing the country's environmental laws. The proposed Senate investigation is not just about assigning blame for a single disaster but about addressing the root causes of a national problem.
The call for action underscores the urgent need to move beyond traditional landfilling and explore sustainable, technology-driven alternatives. The outcome of this probe could shape future policy on waste management, aiming to prevent similar loss of life and environmental damage in other communities across the archipelago.
