Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Monday apologized to residents for the city’s ongoing garbage collection problems, blaming the previous administration’s contractor for abandoning its duties.

Lacuna said the city experienced a 400 percent increase in trash volume during the holidays due to the abrupt halt of services by the outgoing contractor, Leonel Waste Management, which was hired by former Mayor Isko Moreno.

“I am taking this opportunity to apologize to all Manilans for the garbage problem,” Lacuna said during a flag-raising ceremony. “Don’t worry. We will strive to address this issue as quickly as possible and ensure that our garbage collection returns to normal.”

The lady mayor also urged residents for understanding and cooperation during the transition to a new contractor.

“I ask for your continued understanding and cooperation so that we can resolve this problem as soon as possible,” Lacuna said. “Don’t worry. We will not neglect any Manileño family. If we work together, as I always say, nothing is impossible.”

However, Leonel Waste Management denied Lacuna’s accusations, and in a statement that is circulating on social media, it claimed that it fulfilled contractual obligations until the end of their agreement.

The company also alleged that the city government owes it P561,440,000 and said it has evidence to refute the mayor’s claims.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday reminded local government units (LGUs) of their responsibility to properly manage waste disposal.

The reminder came after Manila and Caloocan received numerous complaints from residents about uncollected garbage following the holiday season.

The DENR cited Republic Act 9003, the Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates LGUs to develop and implement solid waste management plans approved by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC).

“The DENR, therefore, would like to reemphasize the vital importance of effective waste management in safeguarding public health and protecting our environment on the part of the local government units,” the agency said in a statement.

The NSWMC, responsible for ensuring compliance with RA 9003, will take appropriate action, including investigations and potential legal action, to ensure the law is enforced.

To date, 89 percent of the 1,592 LGUs nationwide, including all 16 in the National Capital Region, have had their solid waste management plans approved by the NSWMC.