Makati dad hits Forbes Park 'bullies'

A Makati Councilor yesterday slammed the "bullying tactics" of a group of residents of Forbes Park who are opposing a proposed ordinance converting Mckinley road into a commercial zone.

In a statement, Councilor Ricardo Javier, chair of the Makati City council's urban development committee, said that the City Council will not be bullied by arrogant rich people in Forbes Park who are against the proposal.

"For people supposedly educated in the best schools, they do have trouble understanding the word proposal" Javier said.

Javier said that the Forbes Park residents should not rush the City Council or threaten a lawsuit to influence the outcome of the council's technical evaluation of converting Mckinley into a commercial zone.

"Mckinley road is not the only issue being discussed by the committee members and our urban planning consultants. They shouldn't rush us, or use the threat of a lawsuit" Javier said.

He said the oppositors of the proposed ordinance should be sober enough and bring their comments to the council and not to the media.

"The residents of other villages have opted to bring their comments to us in a sober manner, allowing for a more meaningful and productive exchange of opinions" Javier said.

The city lawmaker explained that it took the council two years to study the rezoning of Makati City, not only Mckinley road, and that they did not violate the rights of Makati residents to due process.

"The residents of Forbes Park were given the opportunity to air their opposition in public hearings conducted by the urban development committee and the rules committee. We are still accepting and evaluating position papers" Javier said. -- Jose Rodel Clapano