MMDA defends decision to use San Mateo landfill

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority stands by its decision ordering the Manila city government to use the new San Mateo sanitary landfill in Rizal for waste disposal, according to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

Artes noted that the landfill was built upon the request of MMDA with the approval of the municipal council led by former vice mayor and presiding officer Bartolome Rivera Jr.

“Mayor Omie (Rivera) could not deny that because he was the vice mayor when its construction was approved,” Artes said over dzRH.

He recalled that the MMDA and San Mateo municipal government entered into an agreement on the operation of the landfill, including the collection of tipping fees and volume of trash to be accommodated.

“We have a contract, specifically authorizing the MMDA to use the landfill for waste disposal according to its environmental compliance certificate. The ECC allows Metro Manila to dump up to 5,000 tons of garbage per day,” Artes said.

According to Artes, only 25 percent of the total garbage from Metro Manila, which is below the 5,000-ton capacity, is brought to the San Mateo landfill.

Rivera has yet to give his reaction on these statements by Artes.

Earlier, he said the local government was surprised about the MMDA decision to allow Manila to use the San Mateo landfill.

He claimed that Manila’s garbage disposal to San Mateo could fill up the landfill quickly, cause heavier vehicular traffic and endanger the health and safety of residents.