CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Roger Abaday received criticism from fellow councilors on Monday, May 19, after he claimed that photos of uncollected garbage circulating on social media are just “recycled” or reused images.

Councilor Imee Rose Moreno, in a privileged speech during the same session, questioned the garbage collection services of contractor Tencil.

Abaday, raising his hands in defense, said the garbage seen in public areas — such as cardboard and paper — should have been segregated at the household level.

“Katong mga recyclable, madunot, dili madunot, iya kana sa barangay,” Abaday said, emphasizing that waste management starts in the barangays.

TRASHY SUNSET: A mountain of garbage mars the view of the sunset at Macajalar Bay along the coastal road in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro. This scene is one of several circulating on social media, highlighting the growing issue of uncollected waste in the city. Tencil, the contracted garbage collector, has yet to comment on the situation. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Berganio)

“Ang problema, kada hakot sa basura, pagkataud-taud naa nasad. Maglabay nasad ang atong mga kaigsuonan,” Abaday said.

He then doubled down by adding: “Atong na obserbahan diha sa social media nga katong mga daan na nga basura nga ilang na picturan, gaibalik-balik lang sa social media just to impose issues sa atong government.”

Moreno responded strongly, accusing Abaday of undermining the integrity of the media, which has been vigilant in covering the issue.

“Kamo mismo ang nakabalo, ang katawhan mismo ang nakabalo. I do not agree with the statement of Councilor Roger Abaday. Dili ni pamolitika, human na ang politika,” Moreno said.

ORO TRASH WOES. City Council discussed the issue of uncollected garbage on May 19, where Councilor Roger Abaday drew criticism from colleagues after claiming that photos circulating on social media were “recycled.” Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“Why would the people reuse old photos? Unsay tumong para buhaton na?” she added.

Moreno said residents are angry due to Tencil’s alleged failure to deliver proper garbage collection services.

Councilor Jose ‘Pepe’ Abbu also criticized Abaday’s remarks.

“On the statement of Councilor Abaday that the pictures are recycled — I have pictures on my phone,” Abbu said.

He cited a local school with a “No Dumping” sign, yet trash continues to pile up in the area daily.

“Naa gyud na permi ang basura dira. Mawala, mubalik. I’m pretty sure in-ana gihapon ang situation sa uban,” Abbu said.

Abbu advised his colleagues to stop pointing fingers, saying there is no time for blame.