Manila — Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong, a member of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UN Working Group on BHR), conducted an academic visit to Smokey Mountain last August 13, 2026, amid the heavy rains in Manila. The visit was in response to the invitation of affected communities in Smokey Mountain after a forum on issues regarding meaningful consultations. It coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine government’s renewed push for Waste-to-Energy (WTE) as a solution to Manila’s waste and flood problems
Smokey Mountain is one of the sites considered for a P25 billion WTE facility proposed by Manila Integrated Environment Corporation (MIEC), “a special purpose company majority-owned by Phil. Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco)”, with Kanadevia Corporation as technology provider.
The visit provided an opportunity for Dr. Yeophantong to hear directly from community members about their concerns and experiences, and to consider these issues in the context of broader discussions on human rights, business, and environmental justice.
Dr. Yeophantong was accompanied during the academic visit by members of the Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA), including Samahan ng Maralita sa Upper Smokey Mountain-Kadamay (SMUSM-Kadamay) and Nagkakaisa at Nagdadamayang Maralita Organization (NANAMOR), as well as representatives of Manila Today, Kalikasan PNE, and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific.
During their discussion with Dr. Yeophantong, community members described what they said were pressures to leave their homes in connection with the proposed WTE project. Some residents also reported experiencing what they characterized as threats or intimidation in connection with efforts to obtain their agreement to “voluntary demolition” arrangements, under which monetary compensation was reportedly offered in varying amounts.
Smokey Mountain residents speaking with Dr. Pichamon Yeophantong about their experiences. Photo courtesy of PanaghiusaPH.
The residents also raised concerns about the potential implications of the proposed WTE project for their rights to adequate housing, livelihood, health, non-discrimination, and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their community. Community representatives also said they had experienced difficulties in participating in public scoping activities and project-related dialogues. They said they had made repeated requests for meetings concerning the proposal, including a request for a meeting with Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.
In order to address the incidents happening in their community, Smokey Mountain residents said they approached the Commission on Human Rights last June to formally request an independent investigation into their concerns. The request reflects the residents’ position that the issues they have raised warrant further examination by an appropriate independent body.
Concerns regarding human rights and community participation in connection with proposed or existing WTE facilities have also been raised in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region, including Dhaka in Bangladesh, Kwinana in Australia, Rawang in Malaysia, Prachinburi in Thailand, Bawana in India, Surabaya in Indonesia, and Thilafushi in the Maldives. Earlier this year, the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change also issued an open call for inputs concerning the human rights impacts of WTE and other technologies associated with climate change.
A GAIA Asia Pacific report discusses potential environmental, health, displacement, and livelihood concerns associated with the proposed facility. The report argues that the project could have significant long-term implications for human health and the environment and could affect waste workers and other community members whose livelihoods are connected to the area.
“The people of Smokey Mountain should not be treated as obstacles to development. They are rights-holders whose voices must be at the center of any decision concerning their homes, livelihoods and community,” community and environmental advocates said.
Advocates are calling for any intervention in Smokey Mountain to respect the rights of residents and workers, provide meaningful and informed opportunities for participation, protect individuals from reprisals or intimidation, and consider alternatives that would minimize displacement and disruption to livelihoods.
“Smokey Mountain should not be understood simply as a former dumpsite or a site available for redevelopment. It is also a community and livelihood space for waste workers, including families whose livelihoods have long been connected to waste recovery and management in Manila,” advocates said.
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About MAIA
The Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA) is a coalition of community organizations and advocates opposing incineration and false solutions, and advancing zero waste, environmental justice, and the rights of urban poor communities. MAIA’s position is firm, unified, and grounded in community-led resistance. MAIA reiterates its demands:
Uphold the national ban on incineration as stated in the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and Clean Air Act.
Immediately stop violent evictions and ensure on-site, in-city housing in Smokey Mountain.
End intimidation, fencing, and harassment by private security and barangay personnel.
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Sign the petition! Click this link for the community petition: https://c.org/NsrxPwFJmG
Read the full case report entitled “The Smokey Mountain Waste-to-Energy Project: Arrested development and environmental justice in urban Manila.”
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Media contact: Marvee Sambajon, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific Communications Officer for Campaigns, marvee@no-burn.org
