Cebu City Confronts Escalating Waste Management Crisis Amid Allegations of Favoritism
The operations at the Binaliw Landfill have been suspended following a devastating trash slide that claimed the lives of 36 individuals. This tragic event has intensified scrutiny on Cebu City's waste management systems, revealing a complex and urgent crisis that threatens both public health and municipal efficiency.
VIP Garbage Collection Sparks Public Outcry and Allegations of Favoritism
During a City Council session held on February 16, 2026, Councilor Harry Eran, who chairs the committee on public services, brought to light disturbing reports of preferential treatment in garbage collection services. Eran detailed instances where garbage trucks were dispatched to specific locations without any prior coordination with local barangay officials, who typically manage and oversee waste collection schedules.
One particularly egregious example occurred in Barangay Cogon Pardo last Friday, where a truck was sent exclusively to collect trash from a single household, completely neglecting the surrounding neighbors. "This is a waste of fuel. This is a waste of manpower. And most importantly, this is a waste of the people's trust," Eran declared emphatically during the session.
Systemic Coordination Failures Undermine Public Trust
Normally, the Department of Public Services (DPS) and private contractors such as Pinoy Basura are required to collaborate closely with barangay leaders, who possess intimate knowledge of local schedules and geographical challenges. When this essential coordination is bypassed, it results in widespread confusion and frustration among residents.
Eran emphasized that such practices create the perception that public services are being manipulated by personal connections rather than administered equitably. "When garbage collection becomes a private request instead of a public service, chaos follows," he stated, clarifying that his intent is not to assign blame but to rectify a fundamentally flawed operational process.
Alarming Trash Disposal Deficit Compounds the Crisis
The controversy over VIP garbage collection is merely one facet of a much larger and more pressing issue. Councilor Dave Tumulak presented startling data that underscores the severity of Cebu City's waste disposal challenges. The numbers reveal a daily struggle that borders on catastrophic:
- Daily Collection Volume: 600 to 700 tons of waste
- Legal Disposal Capacity: Only 450 tons (150 tons in Consolacion and 300 tons in Aloguinsan)
- Daily Deficit: Between 150 and 250 tons of trash left without a designated disposal site
With disposal facilities operating at maximum capacity, every garbage truck trip must be optimized for efficiency to prevent trash from accumulating on city streets and exacerbating public health risks.
Urgent Calls for Comprehensive Waste Management Solutions
In response to this escalating crisis, the City Council has scheduled an executive session for February 23, 2026, to demand a detailed and actionable waste management plan from the DPS. Officials have stressed that resolving this "looming disaster" will require unprecedented cooperation between city authorities, private contractors, and the general public.
"This is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed as soon as possible," Tumulak asserted, reminding all stakeholders that while contractors handle the operational aspects, the ultimate responsibility for finding sustainable solutions rests with the government.
The suspension of the Binaliw Landfill operations serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of inadequate waste management. As Cebu City grapples with these dual challenges—allegations of preferential treatment and a critical disposal shortfall—the need for transparent, efficient, and equitable public services has never been more pressing.
