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MMDA chief backs proposal for an elected Metro Manila governor

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ABS-CBN News

<figure class="op-interactive"><div id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1_Container"> <ivs-player id="IVS_ABS_Body_Video_1" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-vid="1454904" data-ivs-floating="1"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/iframe-parent.js"></script> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script> </div></figure><p>MANILA - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Tim Orbos is backing the proposal to elect a Metro Manila governor to oversee the region and solve its problems, among them traffic congestion. </p><p>According to Orbos, it is difficult for an MMDA chief, who is an appointed official, to deal with all Metro Manila mayors who all occupy elected posts.</p><p>&quot;It is really very difficult because, as it is, it has nothing to do with the chairman. But it has something to do with the powers the MMDA has,&quot; he told ANC on Wednesday.</p><p>Orbos explained that, in the current system, the MMDA is only acting as a coordinating body that cannot even create ordinances that directly address the metro&#x27;s problems.</p><p>The MMDA chief believes now is a good time to discuss the proposal because of President Rodrigo Duterte&#x27;s push for a federal government. </p><p>&quot;Metro Manila should be taken as a separate region. And, therefore, an elected authority must be there,&quot; he said.</p><p>Orbos also wants Congress to take the proposal further and give additional powers to whoever will serve as governor, particularly in franchising and housing. </p><div><strong>&#x27;No need for a federal government&#x27;</strong></div><p>The party-list lawmaker behind the proposal agrees with Orbos, saying a Metro Manila governor should be supported by the principles of local autonomy. </p><p>&quot;He has a gigantic burden with very limited powers,&quot; Buhay party-list Lito Atienza told ANC.&quot; </p><p>But Atienza said he does not agree that a federal form of government is needed in his proposal to elect a Metro Manila governor.</p><p>He said he is for a stronger implementation of the Code of Local Autonomy, as provided in the Constitution.</p><p>&quot;Federalism is a very risky experiment,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Tim Orbos is backing the proposal to elect a Metro Manila governor to oversee the region and solve its problems, among them traffic congestion.</p>

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Tim Orbos is backing the proposal to elect a Metro Manila governor to oversee the region and solve its problems, among them traffic congestion.