Miriam wants P13-M cut in MMDA budget, fears its use for Fernando’s campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Administration Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago wants the 2009 budget of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) slashed by P13-million to prevent MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando from using it for his presidential campaign. In a letter dated December 8 to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Santiago also observed that the MMDA seems to be not doing its job as shown by the allegedly worsening traffic in the national capital region. "I cannot help but suspect that some MMDA funds are going to the support of Mr. Fernando's announced presidential campaign," she wrote. Santiago said Fernando’s premature campaigning for the 2010 election can be seen in his giant posters all over, even reportedly outside, Metro Manila. "In other words, Mr Fernando is engaged in unlawful premature campaigning, and it is highly likely that he might use the MOOE (maintenance, operating and other expenses) funds of the MMDA," Santiago said. Trying to be busy Santiago said the MMDA is not easing the traffic in Metro Manila and instead 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," Santiago said. She said the P13 million additional budget approved by the House of Representatives for MMDA is not necessary. She said in the budget submitted by the Department of Budget and Management, the MMDA budget for 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," Santiago said. - GMANews.TV