Tiñga nixes proposed expansion of MMDA authority

Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga has raised objections on the proposed legislation seeking expanded power and authority for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), unless amendments are made addressing the concerns of local government units (LGUs). 

He said House Bill Nos. 1145 and 2545 would greatly defeat the national government’s policy of decentralization. 

In a letter to Rep. Mary Ann Susano, chair of the House Special Committee on Metro Manila Development, Tiñga said the proposed bill will make MMDA a political subdivision. This, he said, grants MMDA the power to legislate, which is unconstitutional. 

A political subdivision has its own political personality, police power, power to tax and all government powers. 

“As expressly provided in the Constitution, MMDA’s jurisdiction should be limited to basic services requiring coordination. The MMDA can only provide LGUs technical assistance in the preparation of local development plans. It cannot have legislative power,” Tiñga wrote. 

As for the proposed Metro Ticketing System, Tiñga said a unified ticketing system would undermine the local governments’ police power over their respective jurisdiction. – Rhodina Villanueva