Mmda Won't Take Down BF Posters

Despite the brickbats thrown its way over the controversial posters of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando in the streets, the agency says it has no plans of removing them.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno shrugged off criticisms that the tarpaulin movie posters smacked of early campaigning by Fernando, who has expressed a desire to run for President in 2010.

"The posters inform the public about our programs and appeal to the public to follow the law. Nowhere can you find any political message in them," he said.

Nacianceno said the posters were far from being campaigning tools considering that they show a photo of a "stern-looking" Fernando instead of a smiling one.

"His picture is not meant to attract people. It's meant to warn them," he said.

He also dismissed reported plans by the Makati City government to file charges against the MMDA for possible violations of local ordinances.

Last week, the city hauled down at least 29 of Fernando's giant posters from center islands and Metro Rail Transit posts on the Makati portion of Edsa.

Makati Department of Environmental Services chief Danilo Villas said MMDA officials could be held liable for violating the Makati Solid Waste Management Code, which prohibits the defacement of walls and public spaces.

He added that the MMDA may also have violated Ordinance 93-330 which considers illegal road signs as obstructions.

Meanwhile, Nacianceno said, the agency's lawyers will study the ordinances cited by Villas and will act accordingly.

April 13, 2008