MMDA to raise illegal dumping fines to ₱5,000 in Metro Manila cities, ₱2,500 in Pateros

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is raising fines for illegal garbage dumping across all local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR), as authorities continue to grapple with waste-related flooding problems in the region.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the penalty will increase to 5,000 pesos in the region’s 16 cities, and to 2,500 pesos in the municipality of Pateros. The new fines replace the previous penalty of 500 pesos.

The increase follows a Metro Manila Council resolution and represents the maximum penalty allowed under the Local Government Code, according to Artes.

“We have a Metro Manila Council resolution increasing the penalty to 5,000 pesos for cities and 2,500 pesos for Pateros, since it is not a city. That is the maximum allowed under the Local Government Code,” Artes said. 

(“May Metro Manila Council resolution na tayo increasing the penalty of 5,000 for cities and 2,500 sa Pateros, dahil hindi city. Iyon po yung maximum allow under the local government code.”)

Artes said the MMDA is now awaiting the passage of corresponding local ordinances from each of the region’s cities before the higher fines can take effect. The agency plans to follow up on the matter at the next Metro Manila Council meeting on August 18.

The move comes as illegal dumping remains a major contributor to clogged waterways and flooding across Metro Manila, a persistent problem during the rainy season.