Solons seeks probe of MMDA chair’s projects
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:17:00 04/03/2008
Filed Under: Congress, Politics
MANILA, Philippines -- A resolution seeking an investigation of the “huge personal tarpaulins” of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, the agency’s U-turn lanes, pink fences and other projects, has been filed at the House of Representatives.
House Resolution 511, filed by Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez on Thursday, also seeks to determine how much money had been spent for the MMDA projects.
The resolution also cited other MMDA projects such as pink urinals, pink road signs, and pink lanes.
It also noted what it described as “makeshift, topsy-turvy” U-turn lanes in various major thoroughfares, like the ones along newly widened Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The resolution said the U-turn lanes are perceived to be “traffic hazards and obstructions, and eating up lanes, thus wasting the hundred of millions of pesos used to widen and improve the said avenue.”
Golez zeroed in on huge tarpaulin signs bearing Fernando’s picture on posts and the centerlines of EDSA, saying these “tend to uglify, instead of beautify, Metro Manila” and to “annoy or offend the senses and unduly obstruct the natural view of the landscape [and] distract or obstruct the view of the public.”
He said the tarpaulin signs could be classified as a public nuisance.
Golez also said the investigation may look into the possibility Fernando may be using government funds, through the MMDA projects, to advance his own political ambition.
Fernando is reportedly planning to run for president in 2010.
“The MMDA chairman, in many instances, has categorically expressed his desire to run for higher office and there is concern that he is using his office and substantial public funds, through the aforementioned tarpaulin, for his personal political interest in violation of anti-graft laws and the code of conduct or public officials,” the resolution said.
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