TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has called for stronger enforcement of waste management policies following recent incidents involving landfill sites in Navotas, Cebu, and Rizal.
Acidre raised concern over the reported fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill and trash slides in Cebu and Rodriguez, Rizal, saying these incidents highlight gaps in the country’s solid waste management system.
He stressed the need for the national government to ensure that waste disposal facilities strictly comply with environmental and safety standards, particularly under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The lawmaker urged a thorough review of the law’s implementation, emphasizing the importance of proper waste segregation, reduction at source, and the establishment and maintenance of sanitary landfills.
Acidre also called for a review of local government unit (LGU) waste management contracts to ensure accountability, compliance with regulations, and more efficient delivery of services.
He further said LGUs should be supported in improving landfill operations, waste collection systems, and segregation programs, while strengthening initiatives that promote waste reduction, reuse, and circular economy practices.
Acidre added that stronger coordination among concerned agencies and local governments is crucial to protecting public health, safeguarding communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
