MMDA told to get coordinate first

A SLIGHT tension gripped the clearing operation being conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after two Manila Congressmen stopped them from performing clearing operations yesterday morning in Sta Cruz, Manila.

Second District Congressman Rolan Valeriano and 3rd District Congressman Joel Chua intervened and stopped the clearing operation being conducted by MMDA personnel on Fugoso Street after the agency failed to coordinate with the local government.

The clearing operation started at around 9 a.m. on Fugoso Street which covers the jurisdiction of 2nd and 3rd District of Manila and was not a part of Mabuhay Lane.

Manila Public Information (MPI) head Atty. Princess Abante in her message said Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan already asked the MMDA for a proper coordination before the conduct of clearing operation within the jurisdiction of the nation’s capital so that residents and motorists will not be confused in finding their towed vehicles.

Abante said they already reiterated their position on the matter to the agency since the local government units (LGUs) have primary jurisdiction on traffic under the Local Government Code.

For his part, Cong. Valeriano believed that Mayor Lacuna-Pangan, being a member of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), has the right to ask the agency to coordinate with the local government before conducting a clearing operation.

Despite a slight tension, no untoward incident happened, Manila Police District (MPD) Director P/BGen. Andre Dizon dispatched police personnel in the area while the MMDA personnel decided to stop their clearing operation.

It can be recalled that earlier, Cong. Joe Chua called for the abolition of MMDA, citing that its functions could just be carried out by national agencies and local governments.

A scheduled hearing was set on March 8 regarding the abolition of the agency.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Edd Reyes