‘Political colors’ out; only brown for footbridges

ALL footbridges in Metro Manila will soon be painted brown—not only to give them a standard color, but also to make them “apolitical.”

In a meeting last week, the Metro Manila Council, the policymaking arm of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), passed a resolution picking only a single color for the more than 100 footbridges in the capital.

The resolution noted that these structures tend to be painted “according to the preference of the local executives who have jurisdiction over the area (in) colors that indicate their political affiliation.”

MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos said brown was picked because it could blend easily with the surroundings and is less likely to distract motorists.

The meeting that saw the resolution’s approval on Tuesday was attended by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, Pateros Mayor Jaime Medina and San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez.

Footbridges were painted pink during the term of MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando, and then mostly green during the time of Francis Tolentino, Carlos’ predecessor.