Press Release
December 9, 2008

MIRIAM WANTS MMDA BUDGET SLASHED; SUSPECTS MMDA FUNDS TO BE USED FOR FERNANDO'S CAMPAIGN

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago today asked Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile to reduce the budget of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) by P13 million.

In a letter to Enrile, Santiago said she suspects that MMDA funds will be used to support MMDA chair Bayani Fernando's announced presidential bid. She cited as evidence Fernando's "giant posters" around and outside Metro Manila.

"Mr. Fernando is engaged in an unlawful premature campaign, and it is highly likely that he might use the funds of the MMDA," Santiago said.

Santiago also said that Malacañang's version of the MMDA budget for Maintenance, Operating and Other Expenses (MOOE) was only P1..539 billion, but the House version raised it to P1.552 billion.

"I am not convinced that there are valid reasons for the increase by the House. If the MOOE increase is really necessary, the Office of the President would have included it," the feisty senator explained.

Santiago is unimpressed with the performance of the MMDA under Fernando's helm.

"The MMDA is not easing traffic in Metro Manila. Instead, it is merely transferring chokepoints from one place to another. It is not beautifying Metro Manila. Instead, it is merely painting conspicuous roadside houses with the colors pink and blue, which are Mr. Bayani Fernando's signature colors," she said.

News Latest News Feed