Solon questions MMDA budget
A Metro Manila solon questioned the budget given to the Metro Manial Development Authority (MMDA) which is higher than what the office of some national agencies received.
Manila Representative Joel Chua said the MMDA is receiving at least P10 billion annual budget while the OSEC of the Department of Energy is only getting P1.32 billion.
In his privilege speech, Chua also mentioned the budget of the OSEC of different departments: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (P1.32 billion); Department of Tourism (P2.48 billion); Department of Science and Technology (P6.67 billion); Department of Trade and Industry (P6.68 billion); Department of Interior and Local Govt (P6.83 billion) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (P7.1 billion).
This issue is one of the reasons why MMDA should be abolished according to Chua.
Chua suggested retaining the council of mayors of the National Capital Region supported by a small secretariat.
His proposal is aligned with the current Marcos administration’s National Government Rightsizing Program.
Chua, expressed disappointment over MMDA’s encroachment in the the jurisdiction of local government units and national government agencies, violation of the Local Government Code, duplication of the roles of national agencies and bloated bureaucracy.
The solon said that billions in public funds were wasted due to projects not implemented.
He added that the Supreme Court had long settled that MMDA has no legislative power, nor police power.
Chua said metro-wide concerns, issues, and situations can be addressed by a council of NCR mayors, who can have some of their decisions ratified by the legislative councils in NCR to have legislative character and effect.
The Manila congressman said the MMDA has been disrupting the lives of Manila residents through MMDA operations involving demotions of homes, clearing of roads and sidewalks, and traffic management and enforcement.
