Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7924)
Republic Act No. 7924 creates the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to treat Metropolitan Manila as a special development and administrative region and coordinate the planning, supervision, and delivery of metro-wide services efficiently and effectively, without affecting the autonomy of local government units (LGUs).
Metropolitan Manila includes the cities of Caloocan, Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, and Muntinlupa, and the municipalities of Las Pinas, Malabon, Marikina, Navotas, Paranaque, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela.
Key metro-wide services include development planning, transport and traffic management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, urban renewal, zoning and land use planning, health and sanitation, urban protection and pollution control, and public safety.
The Metro Manila Council is composed of the mayors of the 8 cities and 9 municipalities of Metro Manila, plus the presidents of the Vice Mayors League and Councilors League. It serves as the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA, approving plans and policies and fixing compensation and budgets.
The MMDA has the authority to set traffic policies, coordinate enforcement, install a single ticketing system, collect fines and penalties, and confiscate or suspend driver's licenses within Metro Manila, notwithstanding provisions of other laws like RA 4136 and PD 1605.
Initial funding was authorized at One billion pesos. The MMDA’s annual budget comes from the General Appropriations Act. It also receives Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA) allotted to MMA and may levy fines and fees. Each local government unit must remit 5% of their annual gross revenue, net of IRA, to the MMDA monthly.
The assistant general manager for planning must have at least five years of extensive experience in development and planning or hold a master's degree in urban planning or similar disciplines.
Personnel previously employed by the interim MMA continue their duties and receive compensation until notified of changes. Their existing assets and liabilities transfer to the MMDA. Displaced employees are entitled to benefits equivalent to 1¼ month’s salary per year of service or retirement benefits if qualified.
The MMDA consults and coordinates with LGUs, NEDA, national government agencies, accredited people's organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The MMDA chair or representative also sits ex officio on relevant government boards and committees and may enter contracts or agreements for service delivery.
The Chairman executes Metro Manila Council policies, manages day-to-day MMDA operations, appoints subordinate officers, prepares the annual budget, can discipline employees, submit policy proposals, prepare staffing patterns, and submit annual accomplishment reports to the Council and President.