MANILA CITY HALL, Manila — As the national government pushes for waste-to-energy projects despite human rights concerns, Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso came under fire as about a hundred waste-pickers rallied before city hall and blasted the Manila local government's decision to evict their settlements in the so-called Smokey Mountain area in Tondo.

Mayor Domagoso gave the order for the eviction to give way for a controversial waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration project backed by Manila's city council and even President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
The rallyists, most of them waste-gatherers locally known as 'mangangalakal', complained that the city government's decision to evict them threatens the homes and livelihoods of at least 23,000 residents without meaningful consultation, humane treatment and a viable resettlement plan.

“For decades, we have been partners of the city in diverting waste from landfills. Now, we are treated as garbage, not as human beings,” Elena Plaza, president of Nagkakaisa at Nagdadamayang Maralita Organization (NaNaMOr), lamented during their protest demonstration at the Taft Avenue gateway and back entrance of city hall.

“It is not only the structures that are being destroyed but also (our) dignity and (our) future,” added Mimi Domingo, secretary general of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KaDaMay).

Domingo disclosed that many of the children in their community have already been traumatized due to the forced demolitions and residents remain anxious about looming homelessness.

Despite repeated calls, however, Mayor Domagiso has not met with the affected families, citing a string of official meetings as the reason for not engaging with them directly.

Prior to this, on July 18 NaNaMOr formally wrote to the mayor to express their opposition to the planned establishment of a WtE plant in their community, citing threats to their livelihoods, homes, health, and environment.

However, instead of responding to their plea, the city government replied by sending demolition notices on August 4 and August 12. Families were given only seven days to vacate or risk losing even the meager compensation offered—ranging from as little as ₱5,000 to ₱80,000.

“We were (even) told to dismantle (our) own homes to create the illusion of voluntary eviction,” Plaza pointed out.