Fernando: MMDA radio not for politicking
By Allison Lopez, Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:25:00 09/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando Sunday stressed he will not use the MMDA Traffic Radio AM station to further his political plans, and that the station was “purely for traffic and disaster” information dissemination.
Fernando, a guest at the Balitaan sa Tinapayan news forum in Sampaloc, Manila, said his voice had never been heard over the radio station that has been operating for a year.
“I fired six broadcasters in a year because they didn’t listen when I told them I don’t like commentaries. It’s not a commercial radio station, it’s a serious radio station for traffic,” he said.
Fernando, a member of the administration political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, has announced his intention to run for president in 2010.
Lately, he has come under fire from certain quarters for “early campaigning” with his posters and name plastered all over the metropolis and on private and public utility vehicles.
“(I may not have the blessing of FVR or JDV) but I have the blessing of my wife. I think it’s too early for that. I still need the blessing of the people,” he quipped while mentioning the initials of former President Fidel V. Ramos and former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
Still, the MMDA chair believes party machinery would be crucial.
“Kung ako ay dadalhin ng Lakas, ang magpapanalo sa akin ay Lakas (If Lakas carries me, it will make me win),” he said, adding that he believed being associated with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would not bring him down.
Bent on running
Fernando said he was bent on running for the presidency and that, so far, he was the only one from Lakas who had openly declared his presidential bid.
“Gusto lahat nila ampunin sila ng Lakas. Kaya ako, binubugbog ng lahat ng gustong kumandidato... (They all want to be adopted by Lakas. That is why they are all ganging up on me.) They have to get me out of the way to get into Lakas,” he said.
But with or without Lakas’ support, Fernando said he will push through with his candidacy and may be forced to form his own party because he expects he would feel bad if he were not chosen.
His wife, Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando, said she would not seek reelection in order to be at her husband’s side during his presidential campaign.
“I will just assist Bayani. As for Marikina, I think that’s why we are advocating for a strong political party, for the continuity of our programs,” she said.
Last week, the Metro Manila Council approved a resolution requesting Congress to grant the MMDA a franchise to operate the radio station.
The MMC is composed of Metro Manila mayors and their authorized representatives.
The airing rights of MMDA 1206 Traffic Radio were previously leased to Banahaw Broadcasting Co. which was under the Presidential Commission on Good Government.
Fernando said the lease had lapsed, requiring the MMDA to apply for a new franchise.
He said that under Republic Act No. 7924, An Act Strengthening the MMDA, public information was one way of keeping the people abreast of MMDA regulations.
Vital role
“The station will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with our agency’s measures, address traffic congestion and environmental concerns, as well as other risks,” Fernando said.
Last week, the franchise application went through rough sailing at the House of Representatives after some congressmen expressed suspicion Fernando would use the station for political purposes.
The MMC resolution states Traffic Radio would solely be used by the MMDA to disseminate information, and not for political purposes.
“The radio station is unique in the sense that it is devoted mostly to traffic, is noncommercial, and motorists and the general public would know firsthand and in real time from our enforcers which roads are hassle-free,” Fernando said.
“If anyone’s going to use it for their political plans, it’s not going to be me because I will be leaving the MMDA soon to be a candidate,” he said in Filipino.
Fernando then defended the “Bayani” stickers seen on vehicles by saying no law was being violated by displaying them on windshields since they cannot be classified as “route signboards.”
His stern demeanor gazing from the pink posters all over Metro Manila, he had said at one time, was to remind residents to follow the rules.
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