Replace MMDA, Mathay urges

A metropolis without the Metro Manila Development Authority?

It's not exactly a bad idea, according to Quezon City Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr., who proposed a special regional body with the full powers of a local government unit to replace the MMDA.

Mathay bewails the "traditional mutual hostility" between the mayors of 15 towns and cities of the metropolis and the MMDA chief that has kept the metropolis away from full development.

"Each local official is endowed with a rugged spirit of independence, coupled with a strong mixed socio-economic and political portfolio that no one seems willing to abdicate his authority," said the mayor who is in his last term of office.

According to Mathay, citing a World Bank study, the MMDA, which succeeded the Marcos-era Metro Manila Authority, cannot cope with the urban sprawl, growing by leaps and bounds. The bank recommended instead a regional grouping with the status of an LGU.

"Metro Manila as a center of Filipino life is losing out to other regional groupings because the National Capital Region does not possess the apparatus of a local government to propel it to sustained development," he said.

The mayor, who served as MMA vice governor, said he himself favors the creation of a regional unit where each local executive within the unit only exercise limited autonomous powers. He said legislation for that purpose should take out "protectionist provisions" that favor broad powers for local officials.

A few weeks back, two city councilors proposed that the city bolt away from MMDA to form the Metro Quezon Authority with Marikina City and Montalban town. Mathay said this is against the grain of common sense and suggested the fusion of the Metro Quezon Authority and the MMDA, which is currently headed by former Makati mayor Jejomar Binay.

Binay answers to the Metro Manila Mayors Council, which he must consult on policy making and implementation.