Garbage fee

The City of Manila has imposed a massive 1,200 percent increase in commercial garbage collection fees through Ordinance 9151. Business owners have expressed shock upon renewing permits, and there is no potential reversal of the rate or legal freeze. The Supreme Court ruled the increase is a valid regulatory measure, not a tax or revenue measure, leaving businesses with few options, such as relocating from Manila.

This precedent may encourage other Manila local governments to impose high regulatory fees on commercial entities, potentially leading to a widespread regional increase across the metro area. The increase affects not only businesses but also non-profit foundations. The Manila government cites increased hauling costs and outdated fees since 2013 as reasons for the drastic hike, claiming they aim to recover costs, but the 1,200-percent jump is seen as overly punitive, particularly for small businesses.