Moreno Halts Community Center Project in Power Play vs. Chua

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso

Moreno Halts Community Center Project in Power Play vs. Chua

By Wilma N Yamzon-TheNationaWeek.Com l August 22, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Known for his decisive leadership, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno has ignited a political firestorm by halting the construction of the “Sentro Komunidad de Santa Cruz,” a community center project championed by District 3 Rep. Joel Chua.

The move, a rare instance of a Manila mayor directly challenging a sitting congressman, underscored Moreno’s unwavering commitment to enforcing city regulations and protecting public spaces, even at the expense of political alliances.

The shutdown, personally overseen by Moreno and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, followed the discovery of demolished city properties – a basketball court, daycare center, and senior citizens’ office – at the Alvarez Street and Rizal Avenue project site.

Moreno alleged the project, spearheaded by Chua, proceeded without the necessary permits from the city government, a violation he vowed to address.

“How could they proceed with demolition on city land without proper authorization?” Moreno asked, stressing the city’s ownership.

He ordered the Manila Police District to secure the site, impound heavy machinery, and place the area under the jurisdiction of the “Public Recreations Bureau.”

Moreno also cited complaints from elderly residents who claimed they were pressured by the project’s contractor to vacate their homes.

The mayor’s actions have drawn a sharp rebuke from Chua, who claims the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bears responsibility for the project’s implementation.

Chua accused Moreno of staging a media spectacle to discredit him and obstruct a beneficial community initiative.

“He acted as if he were furious, walking dramatically in front of onlookers, in an attempt to confuse the public and undermine a project that is beneficial to the community,” Chua said.

He clarified that the DPWH-funded project aims to construct a four-story community center housing vital resources like a daycare, library, sports facilities, dialysis center, halfway house, senior citizens’ office, and evacuation center.

He contended that he had no involvement in the bidding process or contractor selection, urging Moreno to direct his concerns to the national government and the DPWH.

Moreno and Chua were once political allies.

Sources said the rift between Moreno and Chua widened after the lawmaker endorsed former mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan in the recent midterm elections.

The incident reinforced Moreno’s reputation for decisive action and his willingness to confront perceived wrongdoing, even if it means fracturing political alliances.

The construction halt raises critical questions about oversight and coordination between local and national government agencies and signals a potential realignment of Manila’s political landscape under Moreno’s leadership.

The future of the “Sentro Komunidad de Santa Cruz” project and the relationship between Moreno and Chua now hang in the balance.