BF to run in 2010 even if Lakas
opts for another standard-bearer

METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando said he will pursue his bid for the presidency in 2010 even if he is not chosen standard-bearer of the administration party Lakas-CMD.

"Kapag hindi ako ang napili ng partido, tuloy pa rin tayo kasi marami naman tayong mga kaibigan at mga sumusuporta na naniniwala sa aking ipinakikipaglaban," Fernando said although he was quick to add that he is confident President Arroyo and other ranking members of the party will take note of his "sterling qualities" as a leader and choose him for the top slot at the party’s national convention.

Fernando’s made the remarks in the face of reports that the Lakas executive committee is not even considering him a presidentiable and Lakas executive director Raymundo Roquero is setting his sights instead on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Ephraim Genuino.

Roquero is also looking at Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla as a vice presidential bet.

But Fernando maintained that his leadership qualities will eventually lead to his anointment. "The coalition has emphasized strong leadership and managerial skills as the two top criteria for choosing its presidential and vice presidential bets respectively and I think in that regard, I have the edge over my colleagues, even those being floated by the opposition."

He said Roquero was only testing the waters in naming Teodoro and Genuino as possible contenders. "Pinapalutang lang iyan, at saka ako lang naman sa mga presidential hopefuls ang nag-declare ng intention to run even this early," he said.

Aside from his credentials, Fernando is also banking on the support of fellow Lakas members considering that he is the party’s chair in the National Capital Region.

Fernando, however, remains low in the surveys. Last month’s survey had him in the bottom rung and Vice President Noli de Castro on top, followed by former President Joseph Estrada.