Supreme Court rejects challenge vs Manila's garbage fee increaseWorkers of a private garbage collection company gather trash at Baseco Compound in Manila on Jan. 23, 2026, as business owners protest the increase in waste disposal fees. At most, as alleged in the Petition, he is only a 'tourist' sojourning in the City of Manila," the Supreme Court said. Wrong courtThe Supreme Court also declined to apply the doctrine of "transcendental importance," saying Tayam's claims involved factual disputes, including whether public hearings were actually held. It said those questions required evidentiary review that the Supreme Court is not equipped to undertake because it is not a trier of facts. By going directly to the Supreme Court, Tayam bypassed the evidentiary evaluation needed for the case, the court said.

Source: Philippine Star March 16, 2026 10:09 UTC