Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice is pushing for an elected governor and vice governor under a proposed Metropolitan Government of Metro Manila, saying centralized leadership is needed to address problems that span the region.
In an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan on Thursday, Erice said the governor, vice governor and members of a proposed regional assembly should all be elected to ensure accountability.
“I-elect para may accountability. Elect yung governor pati vice governor pati yung pinaka-regional assembly na gagawa ng mga batas,” Erice said.
Erice said the proposed metropolitan government would not remove the functions of Metro Manila’s local government units but would provide mayors with an immediate supervisor for issues that require region-wide coordination.
He cited garbage collection as an example, saying corruption and contractors’ control over waste disposal sites have contributed to problems in waste management.
Erice also pointed to the construction of houses along or over waterways, saying political considerations can sometimes affect efforts to address such problems.
“Kinakailangan ng central government for Metropolitan Manila,” he said.
Erice said he is working to secure support from fellow Metro Manila lawmakers for the proposal, which he said is necessary to ensure an integrated approach to regional concerns such as flooding and disasters.
“Dapat talaga integrated. One plan for one Metro Manila,” he said.
Under his proposal, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, or MMDA, would be abolished, with its personnel potentially absorbed into the proposed metropolitan government.
Erice said the MMDA currently has broad responsibilities but lacks sufficient authority to effectively carry them out.
As for funding, Erice said the proposed metropolitan government should be granted taxing powers and receive a share of the national government’s internal revenue allocations.
He said Metro Manila accounts for around 34% to 36% of the country’s gross domestic product, making the region’s stability crucial to the broader Philippine economy.
“Kung puro baha, masisira ang mga negosyo. Kung puro kaguluhan aba edi babagsak yung GDPl,” Erice said. “Kapag bumagsak ang GDP malaking bahagi nito madadamay buong bansa.”
Earlier this month, Erice renewed his call for an elected governor of Metro Manila, saying centralized leadership could help harmonize policies and address problems that go beyond the boundaries of individual cities and municipalities.
