MMDA has P21 million intel fund for 2024 – budget sponsor

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has a P21 million intelligence fund for 2024, Caloocan Representative Mitzi Cajayon-Uy said Tuesday.

Cajayon, the sponsor for the MMDA’s proposed P4.1 billion budget for 2024, confirmed the amount when asked by 1-Rider party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez.

“Why does MMDA have a P21 million intelligence fund? Are they engaged in intelligence and counterintelligence activities?” asked Gutierrez.

Uy replied, “Yes, it is part of the MMNAT (Metro Manila Network Against Terrorism) which is part of the [state-run] NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict).”

“Ginagamit po ito sa panghuhuli ng colorum [vehicles] at mga tiwaling empleyado,” Uy added.

(This is for apprehending unregistered vehicles and erring employees.)

Gutierrez said the MMDA's intelligence fund needed to be reviewed.

“This is something that we have to consider in studying the budget. I will go back to that at a later time, but we really have to review this,” Gutierrez said.

Uy did not object but explained that the P21 million intelligence fund was financed by the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of mayors of cities in the National Capital Region. — DVM, GMA Integrated News