MANILA, Philippines?Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani Fernando on Thursday denied rumors that he was planning to reclaim his post as Marikina mayor amid the agency?s efforts to rehabilitate the typhoon-ravaged city.

?It?s not true that I?m running for mayor of Marikina. I?m still running for president because my track record in leadership and good governance is very appropriate for a President,? he said in Filipino.

For the past days, the MMDA has been conducting clearing operations in Marikina City which was among the areas hit hard by Tropical Storm ?Ondoy.?

Although he was not picked by his party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, to be its standard bearer in next year?s presidential election, Fernando said he would not slide down to the post now occupied by his wife, Marides. Allison W. Lopez