A lawmaker has called for the temporary closure of the Rodriguez, Rizal landfill as authorities investigate a recent collapse that killed one person, while two others remain missing.

During a privilege speech in the House of Representatives, House Senior Minority Leader Edgar Erice urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead a thorough probe into the incident, as reported by RH Milky Rigonan.

“Hinihiling ko sa NBI na magsagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon upang tukuyin kung sino ang mga nananakot, nagbabayad at pumipigil sa mga residente na magsalita tungkol sa kanilang mga kaanak,” Erice said.

“Hinihiling ko ang pansamantalang pagpapatigil sa operasyon ng nasabing dump site habang isinasagawa ang isnag malalim, malaya at transparent na imbestigasyon. Hindi maaaring manaig ang takot at katahimikan sa harap ng ganitong trahedya,” he added.

During deliberations on the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Erice questioned officials from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) about the state of the Rodriguez landfill.

According to Erice, he criticized the absence of a concrete plan for a modern sanitary landfill and waste-to-energy facilities.

Erice also highlighted allegations of corruption in the waste hauling system, claiming that reported volumes of waste transported are often inflated, padding or manipulated, despite local government units paying millions of pesos for proper disposal.

He suggested that this may be why the families of the victims have remained silent, fearing repercussions on their livelihoods.

Erice further urged immediate assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support the affected families.

He also stressed the need to clarify potential ”conflicts of interest,” noting that, according to reports, the owner of the landfill also controls the companies hauling garbage from multiple cities across Metro Manila.