In a dramatic return, Mayor Francisco Domagoso of Manila faced a daunting challenge upon resuming his duties this past Monday. Garbage collectors abruptly ceased their operations, leading to an accumulation of trash across the Philippine capital, citing unpaid fees as the reason for their withdrawal.

Weeks of uncollected waste have left many streets cluttered, creating obstacles in high-traffic areas. Residents of the city have witnessed garbage overtaking roads, with heaps of refuse appearing near commercial districts and approaching City Hall and the Supreme Court. During the torrential rains caused by the monsoon season, trash bags and discarded items have floated through flooded streets, intensifying the public health risk.

The situation has reached a boiling point, as two million residents are confronted with escalating health hazards due to the putrid stench of rotting waste permeating the air. “It hurts the eyes, it hurts the nose, and it hurts public health,” stated Mayor Domagoso in a recent livestream address. He urged residents to temporarily store their garbage at home until normal collection services resume, prompting him to declare a state of emergency in the city the following day.

Domagoso, who previously worked as a garbage collector prior to his acting career, did not shy away from the blame game. In a City Council speech delivered on Tuesday, he directed criticism toward the administration of his predecessor, Honey Lacuna, accusing her government of leaving behind a substantial debt owed to waste disposal companies. The mayor's return and leadership will be closely watched as citizens hope for prompt action to resolve the dire waste management crisis in Manila.