I heard over the radio that MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, probably better known as BF, is being criticized over his posters plastered in Metro Manila roads, including EDSA. Almost half of the poster (or shall we call it a streamer or tarpaulin?) contains the photo of BF, with arms folded and sporting his “tiger” look, wearing his signature pink shirt. I myself couldn’t quite get what he is trying to portray with that shot. It looks like he’s saying: “Isapuso ang batas” or something to that effect. I dunno, you be the judge.
At the bottom of the poster is the phrase: “Kaayusan: Mga Batas ay Alamin at Sundin. — BF, MMDA“.
The commentators say that the poster serves no purpose in relation to traffic control or any other functions of the MMDA. It is, in fact, contrary to one of the reasons why commercial billboards and posters were removed from EDSA — because these billboards distract drivers. They say it’s using taxpayers’ money for personal aggrandizement, noting that BF had, and probably still has, political plans. I dunno, you be the judge.
As for me, I like the man. He’s one of the few who has the political will to implement reforms. I agree with his decision to remove sidewalk obstructions, something which Metro Manila mayors were not able to implement. I would even have voted for him if he decided to run as vice-president in the past elections.
This is not to say, of course, that I agree with all his policies. MMDA still has so much to improve in terms of implementing existing policies and professionalizing its officers and men, and it seems hypocritical to exhort the people to be disciplined when it can’t even discipline its own men. The ningas-kugon implementation of projects — like the no-contact apprehension of drivers — results to wastage of public funds (what happened to the cameras purchased for that purpose?).
Comment by The Real Davaoeno
I saw this entry in the blog of http://mackyramirez.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/when-did-bohol-become-part-of-metro-manila/
Comment by Ronald Herrera on November 6, 2008 10:44 am
“I accidentally bumped on this article which was written by a group of Bisayans who called themselves “Circle of Founding Fathers”. This article by Yahoo as the besty answer to the question “who is your preferred next president of the Philippines”.
To wit:
“Whenever somebody ask who is the NEXT president of the Philippines, the top of the brand answer is always BAYANI FERNANDO…why?
Just like the rest of them, I also prefer BAYANI FERNANDO as the next president because…….
1. While Money Villar is working hard for money…insertions,behest loans, influence peddling, Bayani Fernando is in the field directing MMDA staff in fixing the drainage and water system of the squatters of Recto in front of Isetannn. Well, Bayani Fernando together with the Three Tenors, also raised money once in a while ….by singing and the beneficiaries are often the Churches and charitable institutions. Bayani Fernando agreed to join the Celebrity Duets and dont wonder if he donate half of his prize to the Caritas. Bayani Fernando has a soft heart for the Church because he was a Church worker (sacristan, yes, just like Basilio and Crispin), when he was a small boy.
2. While Noli de Castro is leaving his first wife to marry a Muslim, Bayani Fernando was in EDSA Revolution with his construction equipments blocking the pro – Marcos tanks from open firing on the armless people in EDSA.
3. While Mar Roxas is stalking Korina Sanchez ..appearing like a jologs teenager crazilly smittened with the oozing sex appeal of Korina, BAYANI FERNANDO is appearing presidentiable by sending people to typhoon stricken Panay.
4. While Ping Lacson is being haunted by the public in the Kuratong and Dacer cases…. BAYANI FERNANDO will look at you straight in the eye and say in a charming Marikina accent na”wala pa syang pinapapatay sa buong buhay nya maski sino”.
5. While Loren Legarda is marrying a married man now accused of murder, BAYANI FERNANDO has been a loyal husband to Marikina Mayor Marides Carlos Fernando (daughter of the old rich industrialist Meneleo Carlos) and a doting father to his only child Tala Fernando.
6. “MAREA FROM Heaven” was dominating the political grapevine when GMA 7 featured the MAREA Marcos, Aquino, Ramos, Ejercito and Arroyo in a primetime. FROM is Fernando, Roxas, probably Osmena again and probably Magsaysay again. Then HEAVEN, which is still too mystrious to predict. Then GMA 7 invited Bayani Fernando to join the Celebrity Duets and FVR has revealed a “slip of the tongue” in an speaking engagement that the next president is a bayani (hero) and a pink panther which of course he clarified the next day…the usual psywar charm of the dear FVR.
7. Then there was a talk that Noli de Castro accepted a “downpayment’ for him to run for reelection as VP, and not as President.
8.. Then the “C5 at Taga” scandal which effectively cut down Money Villar to a money making businessman masquerading as a public servant.
9. Then people are printing BAYANI FERNANDO stickers and paste them in their cars….and reports have it that this BAYANI FERNANDO stickers and poster are sprouting all over the country.
What is really MAREA FROM HEAVEN? It is the mysterious spirit that put an ordinary housewife, a lowly paid professional soldier and a college drop out into the Philippine presidency…(But hey, the Atheist group of UP Diliman is promoting the MAREA DeVil Team..whatever that is….)
Well, all said, the direction is pointing to BAYANI FERNANDO becoming the next president….the script is FROM HEAVEN…..”
Comment by tropicalrain143 on November 12, 2008 5:52 am
“What really scares me is that BF’s tack just might work. *shudder* Even though BF may not have that many supporters, vis-a-vis Villar or Noli who have vast amounts of money and machinery at their disposal, BF’s supporters are loyal and avid. A group of them have even taken time to make up this “marea from heaven” bullcrap and posted it all over the internet. It’s all over the place. It’s either that, or one of BF’s enemies has the crass craftiness of circulating disgusting propaganda in BF’s name.”