Bacolod fines garbage contractor PHP1M for contract breach

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Government has imposed a PHP1,068,000 fine on IPM-Construction and Development Corp. (IPM-CDC) for allegedly breaching its solid waste management contract with the city.

In a statement issued Wednesday through the Bacolod City Communication Office, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the company was penalized for violations of its service agreement.

The violations were detailed during a public hearing held on July 29, 2025.

City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu cited IPM-CDC’s failure to provide the required shredders for the city’s three major public markets—equipment deemed essential in managing non-biodegradable waste—and limited access to the firm’s GPS tracking system.

“We must ensure IPM complies with its agreement with the city,” Chiu said.

He stressed the importance of proactive waste management, emphasizing that access to the GPS system remains restricted despite repeated city requests.

The fine reflects growing concerns over IPM-CDC’s performance and accountability.

In his inaugural speech, Gasataya reminded the contractor to improve its garbage collection route plan, warning the firm to “shape up or ship out.”

Councilor Homer Bais, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Ecology, said IPM-CDC’s daily collection volume had dropped from 400 tons to 350 tons in recent months.

“We want more transparency in their operations, which the city has the right to invoke,” Bais said.

IPM-CDC’s PHP303 million contract was extended earlier this year and remains in effect until Dec. 31, 2025.

Bais said he would submit a comprehensive committee report with his findings and recommendations.

IPM-CDC declined to comment but is set to meet with the City Legal Office on Aug. 1, 2025.