MMDA: 12,000 tons of garbage collected per year

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May 24, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Despite months of declogging and desilting operations, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that garbage remains the major cause of flooding in Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III noted that around 7,000 tons of garbage are collected from waterways and another 5,000 tons from pumping stations.

“Our preparations for the rainy season started months ago, but based on the first rains this May, some areas reported flooding,” Torre said. “We have seen that our preparation efforts are not yet enough, so we will work faster.”

To urge discipline among Metro Manila residents, Torre cited the MMDA no contact apprehension policy on litterbugs.

“We’re watching even when our tanod and marshals are not around to monitor those illegally dumping waste into esteros (waterways). We take photos, issue notices of violation and visit their homes,” Torre said.

Under the policy, the MMDA uses its 450 closed-circuit television cameras to monitor sites and apprehend violators across Metro Manila.

Torre said they have issued environmental tickets against violators, citing the case of a woman who was sanctioned with community service after getting caught throwing trash into a creek.

“There is a fine ranging from P500 to P3,000, depending on the local ordinance. Subsequent offenses may lead to a P5,000 fine,” Torre said.

He added that the policy would also cover establishments with substandard water disposal.

“The downspouts are not connected to the waterways. They should lead directly to the drainage system, but instead, they discharge straight onto the streets,” cited Torre.

MMDA said they would soon publish the data on the anti-illegal dumping violators on their social media platform.