MMDA tears down Pasay barangay outpost built on sidewalk

MMDA personnel finish the demolition of an outpost in Barangay 79, Zone 10 in Pasay City. The MMDA tore down the structure which was built on the sidewalk and forced pedestrians to walk on the street. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER / JOVIC YEE

Published: 8:31 a.m., Nov. 6, 2017 | Updated: 11:53 p.m., Nov. 6, 2017

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) did not spare a barangay outpost in Pasay City from its ongoing campaign to rid the streets of obstructions and ease the flow of traffic.

On Monday, the MMDA demolished the outpost of Barangay 79 Zone 10 after its officials failed to heed the agency’s warning to remove the structure at the corner of Cuneta Avenue and Taft Avenue Extension.

According to MMDA Chair Danilo Lim, the outpost should not have been built there since it not only prevented pedestrians from using the sidewalk but also encroached on the road, causing congestion.

The outpost is an extension of the barangay hall, which is also situated on the street corner.

Lim said they decided to demolish the outpost themselves after barangay officials took no action despite the three notices sent to them.

Wary of COA

According to Barangay Chair Dexter Mangorangca, they were just being cautious because they did not want to be asked by the Commission on Audit why the outpost was demolished a year after its construction.

He added that they spent around P200,000 to build the structure, which was meant to provide additional security in the area.

After the demolition of the outpost, Mangorangca signed a document indicating he was accepting responsibility for ensuring that the stretch of Taft Avenue Extension would remain clear of obstructions and street vendors.

Should he fail to do so, Mangorangca would be charged administratively for neglect of duty, the MMDA warned.

/cbb /pdi