MMDA eyes raps vs ad firm over illegal bus stops

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering filing charges against an advertising firm that reportedly set up illegal waiting sheds and bus stops that disrupted the bus segregation scheme designed to ease the flow of traffic along EDSA.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the ad firm, which he did not identify, caused confusion among commuters because the waiting sheds it reportedly built also listed the bus stops along EDSA.

He said the advertising firm constructed the illegal structures without consulting with the MMDA.

Tolentino said the MMDA has dismantled at least six illegal waiting sheds along EDSA built by the ad firm.

He said the ad firm’s argument that it has an agreement with previous MMDA officials is no longer applicable because the bus segregation scheme designates the loading and unloading areas of buses along EDSA.