Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 28) — A lawmaker has called for the abolition of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), saying the move will be in line with the Marcos administration’s rightsizing plan.
In his privilege speech on Monday, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the abolishment of the MMDA would help reduce redundant operations. He also proposed to retain a council of mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) supported by a small secretariat.
“Dumating na ang tamang panahon upang buwagin ang MMDA…Marugdug kong ipinanunukala sa Kongreso at sa mga nagbabalangkas ng National Government Rightsizing Program ang pagbuwag ng MMDA at ang maiiwan na lang ay isang NCR Coordinating Council,” he said.
[Translation: The right time has come to abolish the MMDA…I am proposing to Congress and authorities crafting the National Government Rightsizing Program to abolish the MMDA. What would be left is an NCR Coordinating Council.]
He explained the NCR Coordinating Council will similar to the current Metro Manila Council, but the powers of the NCR Coordinating Council will be streamlined, clear, and respect the power of the LGUs and national government agencies.
READ: DBM: Rightsizing to save govt ‘significant’ amount of funds for priority sectors
Chua, who served as Manila Councilor, also said the MMDA has encroached on the jurisdiction of the LGUs by conducting home demolitions, clearing roads and sidewalks, and enforcing traffic rules without coordinating with the LGUs.
“Panggulo sa buhay ng mga residente at mga negosyo sa Metro Manila ang MMDA. Tama lang na wakasan na sa lalong madaling panahon ang panggugulo ng MMDA sa mga pamahalaang lokal ng NCR,” Chua said.
[Translation: The MMDA just disrupts the lives of residents and local businesses in Metro Manila. It is just right to abolish the MMDA immediately to end the disruption that affects LGUs in the NCR.]
In response, MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said only a law can scrap the agency.
“A law created the MMDA. A law must abolish it,” he said, referring to Republic Act No. 7924 that took effect in March 1995.
