SBMA exec: Re-exportation order on Canada trash issued, shipping set

Canada's trash is expected to be exported back on Thursday as the re-exportation order is already issued, according to a report of Jun Veneracion on GMA News’  Balitanghali.

"Everything is all set…Sana nga po ito na, ito ang araw ng pag alis ng mga basurang ito," said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair and administrator Wilma Eisma.

Based on the legal document, the containers from Canada are stuffed with "municipal solid waste" such as used syringes and diapers based on the initial inspection.

Under the re-exportation order, the ownership of the trash will be transferred back to Canada who must shoulder the shipping expenses.

From 2013 to 2014, separate batches of more than 100 containers of trash had been shipped to the Philippines from Canada. Some of them were dropped at a dumpsite in Tarlac and 69 were left in the port area.

The garbage shipment has become a serious diplomatic issue between the Philippines and Canada for five years.

Driven by frustration after after Canada ignored a deadline get the trash, President Rodrigo Duterte even threatened "wage war" over the tons of rubbish.

Also, the Philippine government had ordered the recall its embassy officials in Canada.

MV Bavaria, the ship that will carry the trash back to Canada is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 p.m. and will leave the country at 3 p.m., according to SBMA’s latest update.

SBMA officials will impose a fine amounting to P139 million for the "overstaying containers" at the Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation.

Details of fine will be discussed by the inter-agency task force of the Philippines once the containers are back to Canada. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News