MMDA seeks TRO vs garbage contract

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Greater Metropolitan Manila Solid Waste Management Committee (GMMSWMC) recently sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) to defer the implementation of the garbage disposal project with Jancom Environmental Corp. before a Pasig City court.

The GMMSWMC and the MMDA through their legal counsel, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), submitted a 15-page petition for a TRO with the Court of Appeals on Aug. 21.

In their petition, the OSG said despite the writ of execution issued by Judge Santiago Estrella of Branch 68 of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court last June 11, the project cannot be implemented yet because it lacks the signature of President Arroyo. "It is still ineffective or unimplementable until and unless it is approved by the President."

The plaintiff’s counsel said the judge allegedly exercised grave abuse of discretion because she ordered incumbent MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando to honor the project with Jancom when it was Fernando’s predecessor who concluded the deal. – Evelyn Macairan