PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate sounded the alarm on Wednesday over two escalating national crises: a surge in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a dangerous breakdown in waste management. 

During the plenary session, lawmakers demanded immediate legislative action to protect citizens from environmental hazards and mounting healthcare costs. 

The dual focus highlighted a growing concern that both the country’s physical environment and the public's health are reaching a breaking point.

Senator Win Gatchalian pushed for the immediate passage of the Waste-to-Energy Act, citing the country’s worsening garbage crisis as a literal death trap. 

Pointing to a recent fatal landfill fire in Navotas City, Gatchalian criticized the gaps in current disposal systems that have led to avoidable tragedies. 

He warned that "ordinary Filipinos pay the price" for government inaction, urging a shift toward modern energy recovery to clear the nation's overflowing and hazardous dump sites.

“The consquences of this inaction have turned deadly:  Innocent lives have been lost, hundreds have been driven from their homes, and once again, ordinary Filipinos pay the price for our failure to act before the crisis worsens,” Senator Gatchalian delivered.

Simultaneously, Senator Raffy Tulfo addressed the "silent killer" of chronic kidney disease, proposing a proactive shift toward prevention. 

Tulfo called for free kidney screenings at local health centers and mandatory health rating labels on food and beverages to help Filipinos make better dietary choices. 

He emphasized that early detection and public education are far more affordable than the high costs of dialysis, framing the fight against CKD as a collective responsibility for the entire government.

“As advocates for our people’s health, Mr. President, let us remember that the fight against CKD is not just the responsibility of doctors and hospitals—it is a challenge for all of us.  But the good news is madami pong solusyon or prevention na mas mura kesa sa pagpapagamot ng CKD,” Senator Tulfo said.