Mayors want first say on government projects

In a move that could raise conressmen’s eyebrows, Metro Manila mayors said projects coming from the national government should first have their seal of approval before they can be implemented.

In a monthly meeting of the Metro Manila Mayors’ League hosted by Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo last Tuesday, mayors pushed for inclusion of the said measure in the move to amend the Local Government Code.

Malonzo said the national government should coordinate with the local government and secure their approval on projects being undertaken by congressmen wanted in a particular locality.

"National projects not coordinated with local government units LGUs will only result in waste of resources," Malonzo said. He explained that LGUs already have development plans tailor-made by local executives in consultation with various sectors.

Malonzo, in an earlier interview, said the local development council should be the one to tell the congressmen what to do with their funds in their area.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Metro Manila Mayors’ League president, said in his radio program that uncoordinated projects inevitably would give rise to conflicting project designs.

Only eight of the 17 Metro mayors attended the meeting, namely: Malonzo; Atienza; Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (Quezon City); Tobias Tiangco (Navotas); Sigfrido Tinga (Taguig); Ma. Lourdes Fernando (Marikina); Amado Vicencio (Malabon); Rosendo Capco (Pateros). Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay was represented by City Administrator Nick Santiago. – Jerry Botial