MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim passes away at 65

Malacañang Palace has recently announced the passing of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and former Brigadier General Danilo “Danny” Lim at the age of 65.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Lim died before 8 am on January 6, 2021. Roque continues by stating that “MMDA chair Lim served the Duterte administration with professionalism, competence, and integrity. He would be dearly missed. May the perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul, through the mercy of the Almighty, rest in eternal peace,”

While the exact cause of death has not been confirmed it is important to note that Lim announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 last December 29, 2020. At the time, however, he said that his symptoms were mild and that he would be going into isolation.

Under the leadership of Lim, the MMDA became a stricter agency especially when it came to implementing traffic rules and regulations to help reduce traffic congestion inside Metro Manila. Lim also helped lead the clearing of many roads and thoroughfares across the Metro to help improve traffic flow as per the orders of the President. He also vowed to rid the agency of corruption when he was appointed back in 2017.

As the chairman of the MMDA, Lim had many challenges to face especially now with the onslaught of traffic brought about by the “Build Build Buil” program of the government, which brought about greater traffic within Metro Manila. The agency also has the difficult task of smoothening out the traffic flow on EDSA especially now with the closure of u-turns in select areas and with managing the new bus lanes which were implemented last year. 

Due to his sudden passing, there is no word yet on who will be replacing Lim as the new head of the MMDA.