Environmental and community groups in the Philippines are challenging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to expand waste-to-energy incineration as a solution to flooding and garbage issues in Metro Manila. The groups argue that the government should focus on improving waste management and flood-control infrastructure instead of promoting waste burning.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that 48% of the country’s daily waste ends up in waterways, streets, and other bodies of water. This highlights the scale of the waste problem, with the nation generating between 61,000 and 65,000 tons of waste each day.
Critics say the waste-to-energy approach may not effectively address the root causes of flooding, which is exacerbated by poor drainage and unmanaged waste. Meanwhile, Marcos has not yet decided which candidate to support in the 2028 presidential election, despite his constitutional limit of one six-year term.
Political analysts note that Marcos’s decision could shape the upcoming election, as his rival Sara Duterte gains traction in opinion polls. The debate over waste management continues to reflect broader challenges in environmental policy and governance.
