MMDA dares CHR to file charges against them

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday challenged the Commission on Human Rights to prove allegations that some of their personnel committed human rights abuses during sidewalk clearing operations against illegal vendors. “I challenge the CHR to formally file charges against the members of the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) found to have violated human rights in the conduct of their duty," said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. Interviewed after a Metro Manila Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting, Fernando said it is "too irresponsible" for CHR head Leila De Lima to make public pronouncement on the agency’s supposed human rights abuses without supporting documents. “If our personnel really committed such act, I challenge them (CHR) to charge these personnel in court instead of making public pronouncement on our supposed human right violations,” Fernando said. Fernando said it is premature for the CHR to come up with a statement prejudging the agency of human rights abuses when they have yet to receive copies of the complaints, if any. “It’s too irresponsible, premature for her to have said those things in public. It’s like they have condemned us already without trial,” Fernando said. De Lima had earlier said she would ask Fernando to explain his side regarding MMDA’s violent clearing operations to drive away illegal vendors from the streets. She also said she had sent invitations to Fernando several times but never received a response. Fernando, on the other hand, said he has not received any invitation from CHR. “I don’t know of such personal invitation for me. I myself and our lawyers are all willing to confront them,” the MMDA chairman said. - GMANews.TV