MANILA - A local court is hearing the case against the importers and brokers of 105 container vans of trash brought to the Philippines from Canada three years ago.

Geri Sañez, supervising EMS of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-DENR), said that although the hearing is taking longer than expected, they are confident of their case.

The importers and brokers are charged with violation of Republic Act 6969, or An Act To Control Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes. The prosecution is seeking around P200 million in damages for demurrage and storage fee, as well as the cost of possible exportation of the garbage back to Canada.

Sañez said they are also looking at "managing" the trash locally if it is not possible to send it back.

"Because of what happened in this case, the different authorities became more aware of this scenario. I can assure you that we have made adjustments so that it won't happen again," Sañez said.

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition earlier trooped to the Canadian Embassy in Makati to call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take back their garbage. They also called on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to put pressure on Canada.

"Mahalagang maibalik ang basura para hindi magkaroon ng precedent. Ang mensahe natin, hindi tambakan ng basura ang Pilipinas," said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

READ: Environmentalist on Canadian waste in PH: 'I'm ashamed'

A total of 103 container vans containing trash from Canada were shipped to the Philippines in 2013. Although they were declared as "recyclable materials," it was discovered that the bulk of the shipment was municipal solid waste or residuals.

The contents of at least 27 container vans were eventually dumped in Capas, Tarlac. However, Governor Victor Yap ordered the suspension of the operation.

The remaining container vans are still at the Manila and Subic Ports.