Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
- MMDA redirects here, for the empathogen drug, see MMDA (psychedelic).
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (Filipino: Pangasiwaan sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kalakhang Maynila, abbreviated MMDA), is an agency of the Republic of the Philippines created embracing the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Malabon, Taguig, Navotas and San Juan and the municipality of Pateros. Metropolitan Manila or the National Capital Region is constituted into a special development and administrative region subject to direct supervision of the President of the Philippines. The MMDA office is located at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) corner Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati, Philippines.
The MMDA performs planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.
The agency is headed by a Chairman, who is appointed by the President and continues to hold office at the discretion of the appointing authority. He is vested with the rank, rights, privileges, disqualifications, and prohibitions of a cabinet member.
The Chairman is assisted by a General Manager, an Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration, an Assistant General Manager for Planning and Assistant General Manager for Operation, all of whom are appointed by the President with the consent and concurrence of the majority of the Council, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations. They enjoy security of tenure and may be removed for cause in accordance with law.
The Assistant General Manager for Planning should have not less than five (5) years extensive experience in development and planning or must hold a master's degree in urban planning or similar disciplines.
History
- February 27, 1975. President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 824 creating the Metropolitan Manila Commission (MMC). It integrates the Philippine capital Manila and adjacent Quezon City with 2 cities and 12 municipalities of the province of Rizal and 1 municipality of the province of Bulacan. Marcos appointed his wife Imelda Marcos as governor and Ismael Mathay, Jr. as vice-governor. The office was located in front of the GMA Network at EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
- January 9, 1990. President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 392, in accordance to Article 18, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, creating Metro Manila Authority (MMA). The Metro Manila mayors will choose from themselves as chairman. Jejomar Binay of the municipality of Makati served as its first chairman. The agency transferred to its present office at Guadalupe, Makati. Binay was followed by Ignacio Bunye of municipality of Muntinlupa in 1991, Ismael Mathay, Jr. of Quezon City in 1992 then Prospero Oreta of the municipality of Malabon in 1994.
- March 1, 1995. Since the elected chairman is one of the mayors of Metro Manila, the role to his constituency gave less attention. Thus, the Philippine Congress, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, passed Republic Act No. 7924 creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
- May 1995. Prospero Oreta did not run in the Malabon municipal election. President Fidel V. Ramos appointed him as the first Chairman of the MMDA and made him independent of the Metro Manila mayors.
- June 1998. Jejomar Binay was prohibited by law from running for his fourth consecutive term as mayor of Makati. President Joseph E. Estrada appointed him as the second Chairman of the MMDA.
- January 2001. After the removal of Joseph E. Estrada as President, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo removed Binay from office and appointed Benjamin C. Abalos Sr. as Chairman. Abalos served as Mayor of Mandaluyong City from 1986 to 1998. In May of the same year, Binay ran as Mayor of Makati City and won. Since then, Binay has been a critic of the MMDA and advocated for its abolition.
- February 2002. Abalos was appointed Chairman of the Commission on Elections of the Philippines. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Bayani Fernando as the fourth Chairman of the MMDA. Fernando served as Mayor of Marikina from 1992 to 2001. He was credited for transforming Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city. Well-known for his work as Mayor of Marikina, Bayani Fernando was then appointed as Chairman of the MMDA. He launched the "Metro Gwapo" drive to start the advocacy of turning Metro Manila to the pride of the Philippines as its capital. He created the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Department, which aimed to clear all sidewalks of illegal structures. Among these are the sidewalks of the North Luzon Central Market (Cloverleaf Market) in Balintawak, Quezon City. The national government saved money because of his decision to change the design of some existing intersections by installing numerous U-turn slots and steel pedestrian overpasses, which he called "footbridges". Metro Manila became notable for becoming the Asian metropolis with a unique male sidewalk urinal. Among the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila, the City of Makati and the city of San Juan disapprove of Fernando's proposals. As a result, these locations do not have major MMDA projects constructed nor deputized traffic enforcers.
- October 2009. Fernando ran for Vice-President, which required him to step down from MMDA. Oscar Inocentes succeeded him. Inocentes halted forced sidewalk clearing operations, but continued many of Fernando's projects, with the twist of coloring pink elements into green. He briefly gained popularity as he was strict like Fernando, but not as stubborn, earning the trust of Fernando's rival, Jejomar Binay.
- MMDA Today. Inocentes was replaced by former Tagaytay mayor Francis Tolentino. Though he had ordered one Gwapotel converted into training barracks and ordering the closure of MMDA TV for austerity measures, he has the intention of continuing every productive endeavors of his predecessors, in line with Noynoy Aquino's challenge to all government units to lead by example. He pledged to continue Fernando's sidewalk clearing operations, but with more compassion. However, Fernando, his predecessor made his presence felt by defending Tolentino in the question about flood control, mentioning previous troubles encountered by the former chairman that were still an issue presently. Tolentino's most notable feats to date include the daring implementation of the no-smoking law, crackdown on billboards along highways, and continuing traffic alleviation that Fernando attempted earlier, this time using modern tools such as social networking sites.
Key people
- Chairman: Atty. Francis Tolentino, Former tagaytay City Mayor
- Deputy Chairman: Alex Ramon Q. Cabanilla
- General Manager: Corazon T. Jimenez
- Assistant General Manager for Operations: Atty. Emerson Carlos
- Assistant General Manager for Planning: Ma. Christina L. Velasco
- Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration: Edenison F. Fainsan
Agency Chairpersons
Scope of MMDA Services
The MMDA is responsible for services that have metro-wide impact and transcend local political boundaries, or entail huge expenditures beyond the capability of the individual local government units (LGUs) of Metropolitan Manila. These services include:
- Development planning, which includes the preparation of medium and long-term development plans; the development, evaluation and packaging of projects; investments programming and coordination and monitoring of plan, program and project implementation;
- Transport and traffic management, which include the formulation, coordination, and monitoring of policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize the existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares, and promotion of safe and convenient movement of persons and goods; provision for the mass transport system and the institution of a system to regulate road users; administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services and traffic education programs, including the institution of a single ticketing system in Metropolitan Manila;
- Solid waste disposal and management, which include the formulation and implementation of policies, standards, programs and projects for proper and sanitary waste disposal. Also included are the establishment and operation of sanitary land-fill and related facilities and the implementation of other alternative programs intended to reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste;
- Flood control and sewerage management, which include the formulation and implementation of policies, standards, programs and projects for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system;
- Urban renewal, zoning and land use planning, and shelter services, which include the formulation, adoption and implementation of policies, standards, rules and regulations, programs and projects to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion, the rehabilitation and development of slum and blighted areas, the development of shelter and housing facilities and the provision of necessary social services;
- Health and sanitation, urban protection and pollution control, which include the formulation and implementation of policies, rules and regulations, standards, programs and projects for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation of the region and for the enhancement of ecological balance and the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution; and
- Public safety, which includes the formulation and implementation of programs and policies and procedures to achieve public safety, especially preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters such as conflagrations, earthquakes, flood and tidal waves, and coordination and mobilization of resources and the implementation of contingency plans for the rehabilitation and relief operations in coordination with national agencies concerned.
Functions and Powers
The MMDA shall:
- Formulate, coordinate and regulate the implementation of medium and long-term plans and programs for the delivery of metro-wide services, land use and physical development within Metropolitan Manila, consistent with national development objectives and priorities;
- Prepare, coordinate and regulate the implementation of medium-term programs for metro-wide services that indicate sources and uses of funds for priority programs and projects, and includes the packaging of projects and presentation to funding institutions;
- Undertake and manage on its own metro-wide programs and projects for the delivery of specific services under its jurisdiction, subject to the approval of the Council. For this purpose, MMDA can create appropriate project management offices;
- Coordinate and monitor the implementation of such plans, programs and projects in Metro Manila; identify bottlenecks and adopt solutions to problems of implementation;
- Set the policies concerning traffic in Metro Manila, coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management, specifically pertaining to enforcement, engineering and education. Upon request, it extends assistance and cooperation, including but not limited to, assignment of personnel, by all other government agencies and offices concerned;
- Install and administer a single ticketing system, fix, impose and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or non-moving in nature, and confiscate and suspend or revoke drivers' licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations. The MMDA enforces all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, through its traffic operation center, and may deputize members of the PNP, traffic enforcers of local government units, duly licensed security guards, or members of non-governmental organizations to whom may be delegated certain authority, subject to such conditions and requirements as the Authority may impose; and
- Perform other related functions required to achieve the objectives of the MMDA, including the undertaking of delivery of basic services to the local government units, when deemed necessary subject to prior coordination with and consent of the local government unit concerned.
Functions of the Chairman
The chairman shall:
- Appoint, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations, all subordinate officers and employees, who enjoy security of tenure and may be removed only for cause in accordance with law. The chairman is hereby authorized to engage the services of experts/consultants either on full time or part-time basis, as may be required in the performance of his functions and duties as may be determined by him;
- Execute the policies and measures approved by the Metro Manila Council and be responsible for the efficient and effective day-to-day management of the operations of the MMDA;
- Prepare the annual budget for the operations of the MMDA for submission to the Council;
- Submit for consideration of the Council such other policies and measures as he may deem necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of the MMDA;
- Subject to the guidelines and policies set by the Council, prepare the staffing pattern and fix the number of subordinate officials and employees of the MMDA; and exercise the power to discipline subordinate officials and employees under the provisions of law;
- Prepare an annual report on the accomplishments of the MMDA at the close of each calendar year for submission to the Council and to the President of the Philippines; and
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the President or by the Council.
Functions of the General Manager
The general manager shall:
- Assist the chairman in the administration of the MMDA and supervision of subordinate personnel;
- Assist the chairman in the supervision of the operation of the various operating centers and units of the MMDA;
- Assist the chairman in the review of plans and programs for the MMDA and for Metro Manila in the preparation of the annual report of activities and accomplishments of the MMDA; and
- Perform such other duties and functions as may be lawfully delegated or assigned by the chairman from time to time.
The Metro Manila Council
The governing board and policy making body of the MMDA is the Metro Manila Council, composed of the mayors of the cities and municipalities.
The heads of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Committee (HUDCC), and Philippine National Police (PNP) or their duly authorized representatives, attend meetings of the council as non-voting members.
Functions of the Metro Manila Council
The Council is the policy-making body of the MMDA.
- It approves metro-wide plans, programs and projects and issue rules and regulations and resolutions deemed necessary by the MMDA.
- It may increase the rate of the allowances and per diems of the members of the Council to be effective during the term of the succeeding Council. It fixes the compensation of the officers and personnel of the MMDA, and approve the annual budget thereof for submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
- It promulgates rules and regulations and set policies and standards for metro-wide application governing the delivery of basic services, prescribe and collect service and regulatory fees, and impose and collect fines and penalties.
Members of the Metro Manila Council (2010-2013)
- Alfredo Lim, Mayor, City of Manila
- Jejomar Erwin Binay, Mayor, City of Makati
- Herbert Bautista, Mayor, Quezon City
- Del R. De Guzman, Mayor, City of Marikina
- Enrico Echiverri, Mayor, City of Caloocan
- Antonino Calixto, Mayor, City of Pasay
- Benjamin Abalos, Jr., Mayor, City of Mandaluyong
- Aldrin San Pedro, Mayor, City of Muntinlupa
- Robert Eusebio, Mayor, City of Pasig
- Vergel Aguilar, Mayor, City of Las Piñas
- Florencio Bernabe, Jr., Mayor, City of Parañaque
- Sherwin Gatchalian, Mayor, City of Valenzuela
- Canuto Senen Oreta, Mayor, City of Malabon
- Ma. Laarni Cayetano, Mayor, City of Taguig
- Guia Gomez, Mayor, City of San Juan
- Jaime Cruz Medina, Mayor, Municipality of Pateros
- John Reynald Tiangco, Mayor, City of Navotas
Institutional Linkages of the MMDA
- The MMDA consults, coordinates and works closely with the LGUs, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and other national government agencies and accredited people's organizations (POs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector operating in Metro Manila. The MMDA chairman or his authorized representative from among the Council members, is the ex officio member of the boards of government corporations and committees of the department and offices of government whose activities are relevant to the objectives and responsibilities of the MMDA includes but not be limited to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), DOTC, DPWH, HUDCC and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
- The MMDA shall have a master plan that will serve as the framework for the local development plans of the component LGUs.
- The MMDA submits its development plans and investment programs to the NEDA for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and public investment program.
- The implementation of the MMDA's plans, programs, and projects is undertaken by the LGUs, the concerned national government agencies, the POs, NGOs and the private sector and the MMDA itself where appropriate. For this purpose, the MMDA may enter into contracts, memoranda of agreement and other cooperative arrangements with these bodies for the delivery of the required services within Metropolitan Manila.
- The MMDA, in coordination with the NEDA and the Department of Finance, interfaces with the foreign assistance agencies for purposes of obtaining financing support, grants and donations in support of its programs and projects.
Sources of Funds and the Operating Budget
- The annual expenditures including capital outlays of the MMDA is provided for in the General Appropriations Act otherwise known as the National Budget;
- The MMDA receives an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the President;
- The MMDA is likewise empowered to levy fines, and impose fees and charges for various services rendered;
- Five percent (5%) of the total annual gross revenue of the preceding year, net of the internal revenue allotment, or each local government unit, accrue and become payable monthly to the MMDA by each city or municipality. In case of failure to remit the said fixed contribution, the DBM can cause the disbursement of the same to the MMDA chargeable against the IRA allotment of the city or municipality concerned.
Gwapotel
The Gwapotel Inn is a cheap hotel run by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.[1] A second Gwapotel was announced in December, 2007.[2]
MMDA Stations
MMDA had TV and radio stations sometimes carrying the same brand MMDA Teleradyo. They ceased on August 17, 2010.
- MMDA Traffic Radio 1206 - Traffic updates can be heard on this station. It was started as a test broadcast on September 24, 2007.
- MMDA TV - Traffic updates are Live Feed by Monitoring Cameras Along the streets of Metro Manila with simulcast over MMDA Traffic Radio 1206. It was started as a test broadcast on August 20, 2008.
To compensate for the closure of these communication mediums, The MMDA turned to social media such as Twitter to broadcast traffic updates to users following them.
Criticisms
Particularly during Bayani Fernando's tenure, the MMDA came under criticism from various international and Filipino human rights advocacy groups who argue that their 'Metro Gwapo' (Handsome Manila) campaign involves violent slum demolitions and the detainment of homeless residents, including children, in jail-like centres. These has since ceased during Inocentes and Tolentino's administration.
Treatment of vagrants
In the past, such practices were justified by rhetoric that street children need to be 'rescued' from the street. Advocacy groups contend that in seeking to create a beautiful metropolis, the MMDA often treat Metro Manila's urban poor like 'rubbish' on the street.[3]
A report from PREDA that was funded by UNICEF, claims inhumane proceedings to caught vagrants.[4] One footage discloses the existence of such treatments.[5]
Lax of enforcement
Just as the sidewalk vendors were complaining of Fernando's uptight and often drastic policies, complaints regarding lax of enforcement are also being aired, ironically towards the same sidewalk vendors that were complaining.
Flooding and cleanup became a concern as well, particularly in the post-Bayani administration.
Corruption in enforcers
Claims of corrupt MMDA personnel persist to this day. Acts of corruption includes tong (bribe acceptance), hulidap or wrongful impounding of vehicles.
The MMDA, once notified, investigates the claim, and will deploy undercover agents to verify the claim. Once the veracity has been confirmed, the enforcer is arrested, stripped of ranks and promptly dismissed from service.
Criticisms regarding abuse of power, extortion and blackmail
Their MMDA traffic enforcers are notorious for their blatant abuse of authority regarding traffic rules and enforcement, most often resulting to extortion, red tape and blackmail, using most often trumped up laws as an excuse to hold motorists on the road, and coerce the victim into paying exhorbitant fees as an escape from getting a ticket and having their driver's licenses held at their offices.,.[6][7] Please note that the MMDA are now no longer allowed to hold a motorists license, except if a motorist/driver is involved in an accident, or, the motorist is a repeat offender, having three violations for the same count without having paid their previous fines and the violations as listed on this traffic fine list from the MMDA webpage.[8] They can only ask for your license to list your name on the ticket and are required to return them ASAP.[9]
Also a common sight is a horde of their enforcers grouped together to make their bullying more effective (like a venue of vultures, waiting for their unwilling, unsuspecting prey to just give up anmd die). As cited by this article they are not allowed to group into even groups of two,.[10] Time and again the MMDA has been lambasted by local TV News programs and print media for their abuse of power and inefficacy. They are like dinosaurs that have gone way past their era, that should be placed in a museum as a case study into what a government and society should avoid doing again.
See also
References
External links