Binay wants MMDA posters removed from Metro roads

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is urging the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to remove its huge posters, bearing the image of its chairman, from the metropolis’ major thoroughfares.

Binay, himself a former MMDA chairman, criticized MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando’s posters, saying that it encourages the proliferation of illegal posters, billboards and ads in Metro Manila.

He said that if the MMDA is serious in its campaign against illegal posters and billboards, the posters bearing Fernando’s image should be immediately removed.

He added that Fernando should explain to the Metro Manila Council, the policy-making body of the MMDA, the need for such posters. Binay noted that the agency would not be able to deny that the amount spent for printing came from government funds.

However, the MMDA defended the posters and said they are willing for them to become the subject of an investigation.

MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno denied that the posters have something to do with Fernando’s political plan, saying that Fernando’s  picture emphasizes the need for the public to follow rules and regulation that will help keep the metropolis clean and orderly.

“The posters are simply part of the agency’s ‘Metro Gwapo’ project,” Nacianceno stressed.

The Metro Gwapo is a multi-billion peso beautification and urban renewal program of the government that aims to transform Metro Manila into a well-developed metropolis by 2010.