MMDA to re-paint all footbridges to prevent use of political colors

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to re-paint all footbridge structures all over the metropolis with earth colors to prevent election candidates from using colors that indicate their political affiliation.

Corazon Jimenez, MMDA general manager, said they have monitored that many footbridges in strategic locations have been painted with orange, blue and green.

“A congressman called our attention about the sudden change in color of several footbridges,” said Jimenez, during the recent Metro Manila Council meeting.

Jimenez said the move is to make a uniform color for all the footbridges constructed whether through the initiative by the local government unit (LGU) or by the national government. The color of those structures, which were built to prevent jaywalking and road accidents, will be beige.

The Metro Manila mayors had no objections to the proposed resolution and approved the agency’s plan ahead of the election campaign period.

“I think it is nice to see all footbridges with the same color,” said Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

To date, there are more than 100 footbridges in Metro Manila, painted with different colors depending on the respective LGUs.

Steel footbridges are being maintained by the MMDA while concrete footbridges are under the Department of the Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The structures were painted pink under former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. His successor, Oscar Inocentes, changed them to green.