'Negative na': Small Manila businesses cut staff, take loans over steep garbage fees

Small business owners in Manila are facing financial difficulties due to a significant increase in garbage collection fees imposed by the local government. These higher fees have forced some establishments to cut staff or take out loans just to survive. Vince Canlas, owner of El Latte Cafe on Taft Avenue, expressed shock at the steep garbage fees he had to pay for his business permit renewal.

Initially, they were asked to pay nearly P107,000 in fees, with a substantial portion due to late garbage payments. Canlas had to reduce working days for his employees, resulting in lower wages. The Manila local government later ordered the closure of his cafe due to unpaid fees, forcing Canlas to take out a new loan to pay the assessment and cover penalties.

Kriska Castillejos, an owner of a food stall near Manila's Fusion Alley, also reported a significant rise in costs, which led her to let go of nine out of 15 employees. The Manila local government implemented revised garbage collection fees under Ordinance 9151 in 2026, with commercial rates rising to 12 times their previous levels.

Business owners have urged Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso to reconsider the steep increases, emphasizing the need for a balance between addressing poverty and supporting small enterprises.