MMDA defends acquisition of big bikes for APEC security
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has justified the acquisition of high-end motorcycles for the security detail of heads of state attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November, emphasizing money had not been taken from the agency.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino admitted that new 10 Ducati Monster 795 and Suzuki Bandit 750 big bikes, worth P400,000500,000 each, will be used by traffic constables and police to provide motorcycle escort security to APEC delegates, manage traffic control and crowd during the summit.
"Our purpose is to comply with the existing diplomatic conventions to provide adequate security and protection to visiting heads of state, and as the host country, it is our duty," said Tolentino, during the agency's radio program aired over DZBB Radio.
The Philippines expects all 21 leaders of APEC member-economies to attend the summit. International security standards Based on international standards, Tolentino said a motorcycle to be used in escorting delegates should have at least a 600cc engine.
"There are presidents that have their own riders, with a height of at least 6'3." How can they ride 100cc motorcycle or old bikes? As a host country, we have to show hospitality," said Tolentino, met with criticisms about its acquisition of pricey motorcycles.
Select members of the “Task Force Phantom,” composed of motorcycle-riding traffic enforcers and members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group will also escort the visitors.
APEC budget tapped
He said the funds used in purchasing the big bikes were taken from the APEC budget. The MMDA will be the caretakers of the motorcycles to be used for traffic management duties in the metropolis.
Apart from traffic management, Tolentino said the agency as member of the organizing committee is tasked to ensure the provision of ambulances, closed circuit television cameras that will be used in the APEC Summit.
Earlier, two big bikes were used in escorting delegates during past APEC ministerial meetings in Tagaytay, Bacolod, Boracay, Cebu, and even during the visit of Pope Francis.
Last May, the MMDA acquired eight new Toyota Hi-Lux pickup trucks, worth P900,000 each also for APEC Summit.
The trucks will be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to determine their exact location while on the road.
In the interim, the vehicles will be used by the agency in its traffic management operations in major thoroughfares such as Commonwealth, C5, EDSA-Cubao, EDSATaft, Andrews-Tramo, Quirino-South Superhighway, Katipunan and Roxas Blvd.