Manila, Aug. 12 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday described the garbage situation in Metro Manila as "critical" as massive volumes of waste clogged waterways, worsened flooding, and disrupted the operation of critical drainage infrastructure.

Marcos inspected ongoing clearing and waste collection operations at the Diokno Pumping Station along the Jose W. Diokno Boulevard North in Pasay City, where large amounts of garbage had accumulated.

"Just look at it. Doesn't it look critical to you? It does to me. I wouldn't call it a garbage crisis, but that is the problem we are facing," Marcos told reporters when asked if he would describe the situation as a "garbage crisis."

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who accompanied...