MMDA to cite Duterte’s order in cleanup drive

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expressed confidence on Tuesday that because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for it to clear all Metro Manila roads of obstructions, it would be able to strengthen the ongoing campaign and get the cooperation of local government officials.

MMDA chair Danilo Lim said that he would use Mr. Duterte’s order to impress upon government and barangay officials that the agency was serious in ridding roads of obstructions such as illegally parked vehicles and street vendors to ease traffic congestion.

During his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Mr. Duterte called on the MMDA to “ensure the free flow of traffic and immediately clear our roads and thoroughfares of all unnecessary obstruction.”

Lim said that in the coming weeks, the MMDA would enter into an agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to suspend for six months barangay chairs who fail to keep their areas free of obstructions once these have been cleared by the MMDA.

To date, the MMDA has filed charges in the Ombudsman against six barangay chairs in Quezon City and one in Parañaque City for neglect of duty.