Mayor cites some ‘hard lessons’ for Marikina

Mayor cites some ‘hard lessons’ for Marikina

naawa ako sa taga Marikina lalo na sa Tumana. Madami akong kaibigan doon.

No more excuses and favors
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:12:00 10/08/2009

Filed Under: Ondoy, Flood, Disasters (general), Government, Local authorities, House building

MANILA, Philippines—As the struggle goes on to restore normalcy in flood-devastated Marikina City, Mayor Marides Fernando has learned some “hard lessons.”

Lesson No. 1: No more excuses and favors for riverside squatters living in danger zones.

akala ko ba walang squatters sa Marikina? so meron pala! palagi na lang sinasabi ni bayani at asawa nya na walang squatters sa marikina. bakit kung tuwing panahon ng election at kailangan nyo ng boto eh tawag sa mga squatters eh urban poor, resettled poor, etc. Teka sabi ng kaibigan ko sa Tumana Marikina, ang Tumana daw ay dating squatters colony tapos binigyan ng titulo ni bayani fernando noong mayor pa siya. at sa panahon ni marides fernando ginawa pang barangay ang Tumana.

ang mga taga provedent village bakit hindi paalisin kasi nasa danger zone. ang SM Marikina at Riverbanks mall(pamamay ari ng kamag anak ni BF... father-in-law daw) ay nasa danger zone. so dapat i demolish ang riverbanks mall at SM marikina

“This time around we’ll be very strict. I think now people have no reason to resist when we ask them to move out of these hazard areas,” she told the Inquirer on Tuesday.

Lesson No. 2: There should be a minimum height standard for the construction of residential and commercial buildings, depending on how elevated the place is.

This, Fernando said, would help prevent cases of people drowning inside their homes.

Lesson No. 3: Policies against illegal parking will be more firmly observed.
Ask Jojo Binay and Mapsa for help on that hahaha

“Even just one car blocking the road can impede rescue workers from reaching their destination,” she said.

Lesson No. 4: More rubber boats and rescue equipment should be in stock for emergency situations.
ooopppss. Mayor san napunta yung calamity fund.

“The rescuers had to scramble for equipment so we need more of these prepared,” Fernando said.

Losses could reach P10B

The mayor said the city government would more thoroughly reflect on these lessons learned in the coming days in order to deal with catastrophes similar to that brought by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international codename: Ketsana) on Sept. 26.

“All our efforts are still focused on the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the affected families,” she said.

Of the 300 deaths, 67 were from the Marikina area.

Fernando estimated property losses could reach as high as P10 billion. “Ondoy wrecked barges, footbridges, computer equipment at City Hall, medical equipment in hospitals.”

She said some 2,000 people remained in about 10 evacuation centers. Officials had moved them from schools to barangay halls so classes could resume.

Some 1,000 residing in riverside communities would have to be relocated, possibly in Biñan, Laguna, said the wife of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando, who as a mayor developed the backward town into thriving city. [Biñan is the worst hit among the lakeshore towns in Laguna; see banner story on Page A1-Ed.]

Gargantuan task

Marikina Rep. Del de Guzman said those living at “Riverside A and B” in Barangay Fortune would be better off moving elsewhere.

“I don’t have the power, but I could convince them not to return there,” he said.

Most of the city’s efforts are directed at cleaning muck and debris.

Fernando said workers were using a city property at Barangay Nangka as a temporary dump for garbage, mostly beds, wood scraps, couches and sofa beds, and even appliances like refrigerators damaged beyond repair.

The task is nothing less than gargantuan. “Garbage collected in every four houses is equivalent to one dump truck,” Fernando said. With a report from Leila B. Salaverria

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091008-228950/Mayor-cites-some-hard-lessons-for-Marikina

Marikina calamity fund misuse

Commission on Audit quizzes Marikina on calamity fund use
By Reinir Padua (The Philippine Star) Updated October 09, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Marikina City government spent P10 million of its calamity fund, supposed to be used only in times of disaster, for other purposes last year, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

State auditors noted that since there was no declaration of a calamity in Marikina last year, expenses worth P10,302,549.53 made by the city government were charged to its calamity fund.

These expenses included salaries and wages worth P47,980; rice subsidy of employees worth P250,000; purchase of ready mix concrete worth P151,525 and thermoplastic lane remarkings worth P9,853,044.53.

Based on Republic Act 8185, the calamity fund must be used “for relief, reconstruction, rehabilitation and other works or services in connection with the calamities which may occur during the budget year, provided that such fund shall be used only in the area, or a portion thereof, of the Local Government Unit affected by a disaster or calamity.”

According to state auditors, documents supporting those transactions charged to the calamity fund in 2008 showed that these were not in any way related to disaster or calamity response.

The COA report said this examination of the expenses “casts doubt on the legality and validity of the said transactions.”

State auditors said that when presented with the audit findings, the Marikina City government, “did not comment on this.”

COA auditors said the city government must replace the P10.30-million worth of calamity fund and strictly follow rules governing its use.

The STAR tried but failed to reach Marikina City Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando to get her reaction to the COA report. – With Non Alquitran

tsk tsk tsk... bakit ngayon lang na dyaryo ito.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=512442&publicationSubCategoryId=65

Malacañang is asking....

.... san napunta ang budget para sa flood control!

MMDA asked to explain ‘wasted’ P1-billion flood warning system
October 10, 2009, 7:24pm

Malacañang said on Saturday that it will ask Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando to explain the P1-billion flood warning system allegedly put to waste, which could have prevented the massive flooding during the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy” in the metropolis.

“We’re asking MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando to explain this both to the public and to the Cabinet to the satisfaction of all because this is a serious issue indeed,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said.

moro moro lang yan cerge. pero just in case hindi sagutin or bolahin ka ni BF.... baka napunta dito.

Reports said that the P1-billion flood warning system had been neglected following its transfer to the MMDA.

The flood warning system could have cushioned the adverse effects, particularly the heavy flooding experienced in the metropolis in late September during the lashing of tropical storm “Ondoy.

Based on a report by Newsbreak, the Japanese project Effective Flood Control Operation System (EFCOS) could have minimized casualties if the flood warning equipment and devices had reportedly been well maintained when it was transferred to the MMDA.

The flood warning system reportedly amounted to P1.1 billion, aimed at controlling flood control operations for the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake.

The Japanese government had pegged P600-million for the first phase of the project, which was completed in 1992 while the second phase, at P500-million was funded through a grant by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which was completed in 2001. The project was turned over to the MMDA in 2002. (Madel Sabater)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/224132/mmda-asked-explain-wasted-p1billion-flood-warning-system

Nasaan na ang pera BF?

Fernando fails to account for flood control funds; MMDA budget deferred

http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080927met1.html

By Gerry Baldo

09/27/2008

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando could not account for the millions of pesos in flood control funds being used by his agency even as lawmakers were surprised to learn that Fernando is ignorant of the basic speed limit along Edsa, the major artery that links the north and southern part of Metro Manila.

tsk tsk tsk.... nasaan ang pera? ano nangyari sa pera na dapat ginamit sa flood control dito sa metro manila? saan napunta? baka naman eh nandito o dito napunta

http://mgasidecommentsko.blogspot.com/2008/08/where-in-philippines-is-bayani-fernando.html

According to House deputy minority leader Rep. Roilo Golez, he moved to defer the MMDA budget on the note of Fernando’s statement that there was no speed limit on Edsa.

“I moved to defer, and this was carried, the consideration of the budget of the MMDA when Chairman Fernando said at a formal hearing that there was no speed limit on Edsa and that he was even encouraging motorists to go as fast as they can,” Golez said yesterday.

Golez added it was reckless and irresponsible on the part of the MMDA chairman, who is tasked with managing Edsa traffic, to say there was no speed limit on Edsa.

“If drivers heed his statement, Edsa would become a death avenue with all the resulting deadly collisions,” Golez said.

In spite of the “many unanswered questions on flood control, travels and tarpaulins,” the hearing was moving smoothly prior to that statement.

The move to defer the MMDA budget started when Fernando refuted Golez’ s statement, in the course of the budget hearing that touched on several issues, including Fernando’s use of several police escorts, the huge tarpaulins, the U-turn slots and the MMDA’s use of flood control funds, that motorists should comply with a 60-kph speed limit along Edsa.

Fernando said there was no such limit and that he is encouraging motorists to go as fast as they can on Edsa.

“Actually, it’s more than that (60 kph), your honor. They can run as much as they can. We have to speed up the vehicles (along Edsa),” Fernando told members of the House appropriations committee.

Golez said he was willing to withdraw his motion if Fernando takes back his statement and tell the lawmakers that he was only joking.

“No, I’m not kidding your honor. I encourage motorists to move faster (along Edsa),” Fernando answered back. On that note Rep. Abigail Binay seconded Golez’s motion.

“I move to defer because this budget may be used to promote traffic accidents on Edsa. It’s a reckless, irresponsible statement coming from the MMDA chief,” Golez said.

“If drivers heed his statement, Edsa would become a death avenue with all the resulting deadly collisions.”

Golez maintained the statement, coming from the MMDA chief, would have dire implications.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, who heads the sub-committee on appropriations which heard the MMDA budget yesterday, concurred with Golez and Binay.

Biazon said “the budget deserves to be deferred.”

Earlier at the hearing, lawmakers also lamented Fernando’s failure to produce a copy of an approved resolution coming from the Metro Manila Council — composed of 17 mayors — that is required before the MMDA budget is discussed.

Upon the warning of Biazon that the committee will not allow another failure to bring the resolution, Fernando said he would try his best.

“Best efforts, your honor. I cannot promise (that we will deliver), but we will exert efforts. We will try to give that in time for plenary deliberations your honors,” Fernando said.

“We do hope that your best will be good enough. But next time we will not allow that,” Biazon said.

Fernando could not likewise provide lawmakers a breakdown of the flood control funds and projects for each local government unit in Metro Manila.

Fernando told lawmakers that it might take him “too long” to produce documents pertaining to the flood control funds.

ano ba yan! yan ba ang presidential candidate? yan ba ang owner ng isang contruction company? hindi alam kung saan napupunta ang pera ng kanyang opisina o company? why too long? sabi nga ng kaibigan kong auditor, kung malinis at matino mga libro mo, hindi mahirap itong ipakita sa mga auditors.

No-flood quip lands Fernando in hot seat and BF is a liar -- Golez

ang comment ko? buti nga sa iyo BF. ang yabang mo kasi. masyado kang puno ng sarili mo. hahaha. you are so full of yourself hahaha. tama ba yon? hehehe

No-flood quip lands Fernando in hot seat
Manila Standard
19 July 2008 | 11:00 PM

By Romie A. Evangelista

A House oversight committee hearing is botched when Typhoon Helen’s rains submerge streets, stalling resource persons; now, five lawmakers want Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando to explain billions of pesos for flood control down the drain.

The legislators from the National Capital Region said they would grill Fernando when Congress resumes sessions.

The group led by Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez said the probe on MMDA’s spending would be held right after President Arroyo has delivered her State-of-the-Nation Address on July 28.

The President is expected to present the 2009 national budget including the appropriations for the MMDA and its projects.

But Fernando challenged Golez to present evidence, insisting that he would stay put despite moves to oust him.

“What multi-billion peso fund is he talking about? Give us the data,” he said. “I am not resigning.”

Joining the Fernando-bashing are Rep. Rufino Rossano Biazon of Muntinlupa City; Rep. Oscar Malapitan, Caloocan City; Rep. Vincent Crisologo, Quezon City; and Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo, Valenzuela City.

The House’s Metro Manila Development committee under Quezon City Rep. Maryann Susano will look into the agency’s expenditures while appropriations committee holds a separate inquiry when Congress starts hearings for the 2009 national budget.

The quintet was reportedly dismayed over low-lying sections of the metropolis went underwater on Wednesday as classes were suspended, business ground to a halt and a hearing of the House committee on oversight wherein floods got in the way of resource persons going to the Batasan.

“Bayani Fernando bragged on Aug. 10, 2007 that there would be no more floods this year,” Golez said.

Fernando denied making a promise to solve this year the problem of a sinking metropolis.

“I never said by 2008 Metro Manila will be flood-free. What I said is that floods will be reduced [by] efforts to dredge all drainage systems and waterways, and relocate informal settlers.”

Malapitan, Crisologo and Gunigundo said their districts were always “at the mercy of the floods” because of poor drainage.

Gunigundo cited tidal conditions, a “natural phenomenon” that also hit neighboring Malabon and Navotas, and some parts of Caloocan City.

Gunigundo and Biazon noted that Fernando has become “very visible” in disaster areas like where a team from MMDA helped clear streets of mud and other debris following Typhoon Frank’s visit last month.

“Although everyone has to do his share to help those who are in need, it should not be at the expense of the people in Metro Manila,” Gunigundo said.

“Fernando is not fully concentrated on the problems of Metro Manila,” observed Biazon. “He is too busy going around the country on personal political sorties... even the things he’s doing in Metro Manila is geared towards enhancing his political agenda,” he added.

Fernando has publicly announced his plan to join the 2010 presidential derby under Lakas-CMD. Rio N. Araja Back to top

BF is a liar -- Golez

IS Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando a liar?

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-21&sec=5&aid=67328

Rep. Roilo Golez (Ind., Parañaque), his arch-critic, believes so.

He lambasted Fernando yesterday for what he described as the MMDA chairman’s repeated denials that he never vowed to stop the perennial problem of flooding in Metro Manila this year.

Golez also chided Fernando for claiming that MMDA has only a P200-million annual allocation for flood control, a statement that the lawmaker said could easily be belied by official records from the Office of the President which has direct supervision over the agency.

Citing two occasions when Fernando made his vow to end flooding in the metropolis, the congressman recalled that the MMDA chairman first assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 9, 2005 that with the onset of the rainy season, the incidence of flash floods in Metro Manila will in all probability, now be a thing of the past.”

Golez said he was present when Fernando made such statement as he was still the President’s national security adviser.

In the second incident, the solon cited the newspapers’ headlines on Aug. 10, 2007 quoting Fernando that there would be no more floods in Metro Manila “next year (2008)” which, Golez said, proved to be “very false” because of the heavy floods in several areas of the metropolis, disrupting businesses and delaying the proceedings of a congressional investigation.


BUSTED!!! BUKING!!!


Golez said Fernando lied for claiming that the MMDA has only P200 million per year on flood control, explaining that the amount is what is only projected on the agency’s budget for the project in the General Appropriations Act.

The MMDA, according to Golez, receives between P200 million and P300 million a year from the internal revenue allotment (IRA) as provided for in Section 10 of Republic Act 7924.

The amount is apart from the P700 million to P800 million that the agency receives from the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila from their own IRA, he said.

Golez said that on Aug. 17, 2007, then Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye announced that President Arroyo has transferred the flood control funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) offices to the MMDA to enable the agency perform its “mandate of flood control, garbage collection and traffic management.”

Altogether, Golez estimated that MMDA has more than P1 billion in its disposal a year and “several billions since he became chairman in 2002.”

Golez said that even Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. has confirmed that the IRA of the metropolis reached P218 billion last year, giving a bigger share for the LGUs and MMDA.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said his city alone gives P250 million a year from its IRA but Fernando, according to Golez, claimed is “hardly enough for garbage collection.”

Despite the huge amounts of money from IRA and other sources, Golez wondered why Fernando has continued to ask for “a higher budget” for the agency.
Raul S. Beltran

‘No more floods in Metro Manila next year’--MMDA’s Fernando

Nakita ko itong article ng inquirer.net. Susmiyo last year pa ito. sabi ni BF "no more floods in the metro. sige nga.

By DJ Yap
Inquirer
First Posted 02:50pm (Mla time) 08/10/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Following this week's heavy rains and flooding, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Bayani Fernando has promised resident of the National Capital Region a flood-free metropolis by next year.

HOY BF! ANONG AUGUST 2008 NA! BINABAHA PA RIN METRO MANILA.

"The public can expect a flood-free Metro Manila when the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) Flood Control projects and the new West Manggahan pumping station become operational next year," he said.

In a statement, Fernando said the operation of the West Manggahan pumping station at the boundary of Taytay and Cainta in Rizal would soon be turned over by the Department of Public Works and Highways to the MMDA.

The decision to place the station under the MMDA was attributed to his agency's bigger number of flood control personnel, Fernando said.

Equipped with four huge mechanical pumps, the West Manggahan station can serve, among other towns, Taytay, Cainta, and Pateros, as well as Pasig City and other eastern suburbs, by keeping water flowing to the main tributaries, he added.

Fernando said the Camanava Flood Control projects would also fall under the control of the MMDA once they become operational next year.

The completion of the Spine pumping station is expected next year, along with the Catmon and Bangkulasi pumping stations in Malabon and Navotas, respectively.

Fernando also took pride in what he called the "fast recession" of flash floods caused storm Chedeng.

He attributed this to "relentless flood mitigating measures such as cleaning and clearing of illegal settlers…along waterways and other danger areas in Metro Manila."

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=81743



so ano binagkaiba ni BF sa ibang politiko? wala! pangako ng pangako napapako naman. sinasabi ng mga supporters ni BF na hindi daw politiko idol nila. hoy kung tumakbo ka for public office politiko ka na. kung tatakbo ka for public office politko ka.

No More Floods in the Metro

eh ano ito? sa Marikina ito