A legal suit is not stopping the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from beginning construction of what it says will be the metropolis’ second longest footbridge in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The new footbridge uses the same basic design – steel stairs, no roof, concrete sides – that is the subject of a legal suit.

A human rights lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr. has filed a suit against the MMDA over the design of its steel rai footbridges that he said benefits peeping toms.

The footbridge located along Montillano Street in Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City is expected to serve about 450,000 pedestrians on a daily basis.

During the groundbreaking for the new footbridge, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the structure will have five spans and will connect the loading and unloading stations for public utility vehicles (passenger buses, jeepneys and taxis) in the area to ensure the safety of commuters.

“Ang layunin natin sa pagpapatayo ng footbridge na ito sa kahabaan ng Montillano Street na tatawid sa Alabang-Zapote Road at SLEX ay upang maisaayos na natin ang daloy ng tao at ng mga pampublikong sasakyan sa Alabang,” Fernando said.

“I hope the public will cooperate and make use of this footbridge once it is erected. After all, their safety and convenience is always our primary consideration in constructing structures such as this,” the MMDA chief said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center said the Bicutan footbridge, longest footbridge, is currently being used by about 150,000 pedestrians on a daily basis since its inauguration in 2008.

The P98 million Bicutan footbridge is the longest footbridge in the country spanning half a kilometer.