By Myris Lee
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) contested allegations on social media that the closure of Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard was done to block the supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo from attending her campaign rally.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said in the April 22 Laging Handa briefing that their social media page and site were flooded by allegations and complaints.
“Napakarami naming natanggap na reklamo lalo na sa comment [section] ng [Facebook] page namin at sa iba pang site. Sinisisi kami at sinasabi na kami ay nanggigipit at pinipigilan ang supporters ni VP Leni na umattend ng rally,” he said.
“Mali po iyan, linilinaw namin [na] ang pagsasara ng Macapagal Boulevard ay kahilingan ng organizers ng rally,” he added.
Artes explained that Macapagal Boulevard’s closure was requested by the organizers of the rally, with only one lane of the road passable last April 19 to 21 as the stage built for the event was huge.
The MMDA chairperson added that they are only preventing the congestion of traffic caused by the rally.
“Mali ‘yung akusasyon na sinasabutahe ng MMDA ‘yung rally ni VP Leni. Bagkus, kami ay tumutulong para maayos ang traffic na dulot ng rally na ito,” he said
Artes also added that accusations of Robredo’s supporters that MMDA is being biased is the opposite because they even tolerated the early closure of Macapagal Blvd that goes against their policy of not allowing political activities on major roads on weekdays.
Meanwhile, all lanes are closed from April 22,until April 24 to make way for Robredo’s campaign rally. – ag
