Makati dad joins millionaires' fight

Makati Councilor Robert Dean Barbers joined yesterday the so-called "millionaires' fight" against commercializing McKinley Road inside Forbes Park, the oldest known enclave of Metro Manila's rich.

Barbers, in a statement, said the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance of the city government must not be approved due to the lack of transparency on the part of the proponent.

"I share the sentiments of Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala that though the public hearings may be part of the democratic process, what they (council) are practising is not democracy," Barbers said.

Barbers referred to the failure of those who wanted to commercialize McKinley Road to show him copies of the proposed ordinance despite his right to see it as member of the city council. He challenged the proponents to furnish him with copies of the ordinance and to let the proposal be deliberated at the barangay and multi-sectoral level.

Barbers' statement came as the supporters of Forbes Park residents continued to increase. The Federation of Residents' Association (FORA) of Metro Manila has thrown its support behind the residents in their struggle against the proposal.

Maribel Ongpin, FORA president, said that the voice of the majority must be heard. "May I remind those concerned that under our housing and zoning rules, a communities' character cannot be changed without consultation and consent of the community," said Ongpin.

Those who want to declare McKinley Road a commercial area said the move will contribute to the progress of Makati. They said the conversion of Forbes Park to a commercial district "will be an opportunity for them to maximize the use of their properties and at the same time build the necessary facilities in keeping with Makati's bid to become a global city."

The city council has given all concerned up to Feb. 24 to submit their respective position papers.