Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua has painted himself as a victim of “bullying” in a bizarre online rant against Mayor Isko Moreno—seemingly excusing structures built in the middle of streets and sidewalks because others have done it and calling the suspension of his permitless project in Santa Cruz harassment.
Moreno yesterday ordered the suspension of work in Santa Cruz following the demolition of a city-owned covered court and office, which had been torn down without authorization.
The earlier facility was cleared to give way to a new project linked to Chua’s camp, but no permits had been secured—prompting an irate Moreno to halt all activity on the site.
“All work must stop. Walang permit, walang due process. Ano? ‘Di na ko matutulog? Wala na talagang gobyerno? Kanya-kanya na lang? Tanginang mga congressman yan,” Moreno fumed, stressing that unauthorized demolitions erode order and city governance.
It was not the first time Moreno moved against questionable structures. In July 2025, he ordered the swift demolition of the Barangay Hall of Barangay 167 in Tondo after it was flagged as a road obstruction.
The structure, which occupied almost half the roadway, was dismantled in less than 24 hours. “We will continue to return discipline and order to our roads,” Moreno declared.
Chua, however, fired back that Moreno’s order in Santa Cruz deprived residents of essential services.
He said the suspended project would have included a halfway home for the homeless, a dialysis center, senior citizen facilities, a daycare center, a district representative’s office, and recreational spaces.
“This is not about Isko Moreno or Joel Chua—this is about the city of Manila and its people,” Chua argued, adding that the project was first drawn up in 2020 but delayed by funding shortages.
He insisted that securing permits is not his office’s responsibility but that of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
He further accused Moreno of selective enforcement. “Ninety percent ng barangay hall nasa kalye, pero yung sa akin lang pinipili niyang gibain. Even a police station along Abad Santos stands on the road,” he said, adding that even his allies were being harassed.
“Selective pati po yung mga konsehal ko pati yung mga barangay chairman ko ginigipit po niya eh masyado po siyang bulling mayor.”
Chua ironically chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability—the very body tasked with upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability.
