MANILA, Philippines – Tantalized by the possibility of an electoral showdown with one of his fiercest critics, Bayani Fernando said yesterday he would stand taller than Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay come 2010.

“I can stand taller than Mayor Binay. You have to stand tall if you want to be president,” the chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said in what seemed to be a dig at the opposition leader.

Fernando clarified moments later that he did not mean his words, literally. “I am talking figuratively,” he said.

“I’m going to be the next president,” he told reporters yesterday, adding he was actively wooing his Lakas party mates to support his bid to become the administration standard bearer.

Unlike Binay, who has expressed interest in running for president but has avoided making any announcements, Fernando is not shy about making his ambitions known.

Frequent run-ins

Fernando has had frequent run-ins with Binay, who also once served as MMDA chair under former President Joseph Estrada, in managing traffic and other matters in the financial capital.

For instance, the City of Makati does not recognize some of the MMDA’s traffic policies, such as the lifting of the unified vehicular volume reduction program on certain days or under certain weather conditions.

This has prompted some observers to describe Binay’s city as the “Republic of Makati.”

At the press conference yesterday, Fernando listed his advantages over Binay, president of the United Opposition, and other prospective presidential candidates.

“In terms of political will and governance, I have exhibited my capability,” he said. “I think my background is best suited for the post. My qualifications are better than anyone.”

Binay’s camp said it was reserving comment for the meantime. “It’s his moment now, so let us not take that away from him,” said Joey Salgado, Makati’s public affairs chief.