VM Bebot Rodriguez wants repeal of 'oppressive garbage fees

Proper waste management is crucial for building a sustainable city. It helps keep the environment clean, prevent pollution, and thereby safeguard public health. But for a highly urbanized city like Cagayan de Oro, waste management may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Under Section 219 of the 2015 Cagayan de Oro Revenue Code, there exists a provision exempting “private individuals and government entities within Cagayan de Oro City who voluntarily dispose of household garbage or refuse at the City’s Controlled Dumpsite using their own trucks, vans, or other vehicles and personnel” from paying disposal fees.

However, City Ordinance No. 13378-2018, known as the “Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City” is in conflict with this provision, specifically Section 27 which introduces tipping fees for all private haulers, companies, and individuals who dispose of solid waste at the city’s sanitary landfill, intended to cover operational costs.

While the fees are designed to support the maintenance of the landfill, they have raised concerns among residents and businesses. For Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, these fees are a point of contention.

“It’s a fee that doesn’t seem to add up,” she notes, especially considering that many subdivisions, private entities, and even business establishments are already managing their own waste disposal, without any cost on the part of the government. These sectors have been diligent in maintaining proper waste management practices, yet are still being asked to shoulder additional costs for disposal at the city’s landfill.

This has prompted Vice Mayor Rodriguez to advocate for the repeal of Section 27 of the city ordinance, a stance she has maintained since her time as a councilor in 2022, and continues to do so now in her role as vice mayor.

Photo credits: Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez official Facebook page

Her proposal gained strong support from homeowners associations, business establishments, and concerned citizens, all of whom voiced their opposition to what they see as unnecessary and oppressive fees. They argue that they are already doing their part in keeping the city clean and should not be further penalized for managing their own waste.

VM Bebot believes that this move to repeal the tipping fees is a step toward a more balanced approach to waste management—one that encourages environmental responsibility without placing an unfair financial strain on people who play a part in keeping the city clean.