The Case of Baclaran: Jurisdiction Overlap between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Metro Manila

Abstract

This is a thesis on the jurisdictional conflict between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila regarding transport and traffic management, with the area of Baclaran in Paranaque as a focus. A study done in 2002 by Dr. Hussein Lidasan suggests that traffic congestion is a mere reflection of another congestion in the level of institutions. A combination of the legal-institutional and political economy approaches have been used to assess whether to repeal or amend the MMDA Charter to settle this institutional bottleneck. It has been found out that a metropolitan body that will supervise Metro Manila is essential in the megacity's development. The amendment of certain provisions of the MMDA Charter is therefore proposed to further strengthen the agency in solely handling the matters on traffic and transport management in the metropolitan.