Former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada warned all of the city’s barangay chairmen that he will cut their budget if they will not contribute for the efficient management of mounting garbage in the city.

Estrada revealed during an interview that he personally saw pile of uncollected garbage during a surprise visit at Road 10 Manila.

Estrada said that barangay officials should keep their respective area of jurisdiction from being indiscriminate dumping grounds of garbage if they don’t want their budget allocation cancelled.

Estrada also issued a stern warning against residents of Manila that they may face charges if caught indiscriminately throwing their garbage in the streets, canals or esteros.

Flood has always been a big problem in Manila, no thanks to these esteros and canals clogged by garbage.

Estrada said barangay officials would be liable for gross negligence and dereliction of duty if their respective communities remain dotted with garbage and the streets filled with obstruction.

During the clearing operations, Estrada reprimanded a barangay captain whose area was seen full of litters and very dirty. Estrada even reminded the barangay captain that negligence could be a ground for disciplinary action, including suspension and removal from office.

He urged other residents in the city to report uncollected garbage in their areas, so the Manila City Hall’s Department of Public Sanitation can collect it.

Estrada has also ordered Mr. Che Borromeo, Manila Task Force Cleanup head, to work double time to clean up the roads and other streets with uncollected garbage.

“I want garbage problem to be solved immediately,” stressed Estrada.

Estrada also ordered the City’s sanitary division and traffic bureau to clear all forms of obstruction on the streets and sidewalks, including illegal vendors and their wares.