Cabanlas seeks probe on waste contractor accountability as Oro garbage crisis worsens

“THERE should be a meeting [between] the city government and the private contractor. We cannot dismiss this (waste management issue).”

Cabanlas made this statement during the 20th City Council’s regular session in response to a special report delivered by Councilor Imee Moreno, who earlier raised questions on the waste collection problems that have drawn widespread flak from city residents.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said he and his committee on laws and rules will actively participate in the upcoming committee meeting, inviting the Tencil Environmental Management, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Head Engr. Armen Cuenca, and punong barangays of the city, amid the mounting public complaints regarding the garbage collection operations.

Cabanlas said that Engr. Cuenca should not speak on behalf of the private contractor, as merely relaying information through him would not suffice in addressing the issue.

“We should ask directly the operator of Tencil what is going on. I would not agree on the department head explaining on behalf of the contractors,” he opined.

“Everybody is complaining, and no amount of explanation can assuage the perception of the public,” he further stressed.

Councilor Jose Pepe Abbu, Jr., member of the committee on laws and rules, commended the statement of the majority floor leader, citing that the statement made by the department head should be warned with caution since it would affect the image of city government as he is an alter ego of the local chief executive.

Cabanlas, refusing to downplay the public’s frustration, vowed to join in the discussions once they are convened. (FDCalotes & JAOclarit/SP)