MMDA can't force private villages to allow public access - Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court declared as illegal yesterday the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) order for a private residential enclave to open up its streets to public traffic.

In a decision, the Court said the MMDA lacks the authority to open Neptune Street to public access without the consent of the Bel-Air Village Association (BAVA).

Voting unanimously, five justices said Republic Act 7924 or the MMDA charter does not give the agency the power to enact an ordinance compelling private subdivisions to allow public access, even if only to decongest traffic.

It said that MMDA's predecessor, the Metro Manila Council, enjoyed such authority. But …