MMDA: 'Attacks' on tarps justify continued tarp campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Despite recent "attacks" on them, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has no plans to remove its tarpaulins promoting "discipline." MMDA general manager Roberto Nacianceno said Saturday the attacks, which included a vandalizing in Mandaluyong City, even more show the need for discipline. "That's our point. People like that don't believe in law and order, they have no respect. Buong yabang sinasabi sila gumawa noon, tamang tama ang aming tarpaulin (That's our point. People like that don't believe in law and order. They even bragged about it. So the message of the tarpaulins was right all along)," he said on government-run dzRB radio. He also dared those challenging the tarpaulins featuring the image of MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando to "buy their own tarpaulins." Critics of Fernando claimed the tarpaulins were meant to be a form of early campaigning, as Fernando claimed to be planning a presidential run in 2010. "Di kagiliw giliw hitsura ni chairman, bakit gagawing political (The chairman did not look glamorous in the tarps, so why the big political deal)?" Nacianceno said. - GMANews.TV