MMDA, 2 Manila solons argue over ‘uncoordinated’ street clearing operation

A Friday Metropolitan Manila Development Authority clearing operation along Manila's Fugoso Street caused a commotion as two Manila representatives complained that the MMDA had failed to coordinate with the local government over operation.

In Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras," Manila Representative Joel Chua said he ran to the area when he heard the uproar from the clearing operation.

“Nagulat po ako dahil nagkakagulo dito ‘yung mga tao. Pati dito na sa eskenita, tinatangay na nila yung mga motorsiklo. Sabi ko, '‘Di nyo na to jurisdiction.' Eh, pinagmamatigas nila na meron daw reklamo,” Chua said.

(I was surprised by the ruckus. They were even towing away motorcycles from the alley. I said, "This is no longer your jurisdiction." But they insisted that there were complaints.)

Another congressman, Representative Rolando Valeriano, also rushed to the area and said that the MMDA had not coordinated with local officials before starting the clearing operation.

“Matuto naman silang mag coordinate sa LGU. Matuto naman silang makiraan. Pwede naman namin silang samahan basta tama lang gagawin nila,” he said.

(They ought to learn how to work with the LGU, they should learn how to seek permission. We can always accompany them just as long as they are doing the right thing.)

However, the MMDA personnel denied the clearing was a unilateral undertaking and presented documents that said they had sought barangay officials' permission.

“Kami naman po at nakipag-coordinate sa walong barangay official at ito naman ay ni-receive po nila at kami po ay mag-aayos lang ng kakalsadahan ng mga illegal parking, obstruction,” said MMDA TO5 Jose Roel Fullato.

(We had worked this out with eight barangay officials, and they signed the documents. We're just clearing the street of illegally parked vehicles and obstructions.)

Meanwhile, a resident said no vehicles were parked along the alley, and the MMDA did not tow anything away.

Chua had earlier called for the abolition of the MMDA, claiming that the agency encroached on the jurisdiction of local governments.

However, MMDA countered that they had a mandate, especially since a law created the agency.

“Hangga’t di po nagkakaron ng batas na kami ay abolished na, itutuloy lang ang aming tungkulin dahil pag tumigil po kami sa pag-gawa ng aming tungkulin habang hinihntay ang batas na ‘yan mas lalo lang kaming mapupulaan,” said MMDA Chairman Attorney Romando Artes.

(Given that a law abolishing us has yet to be created, we are going to go on with our work. Because if we just stop performing our function, the more we will be criticized.) — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News