This is an appeal to former Marikina City mayor and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani F. Fernando to consider running for president of the country next year. I have had no personal encounters with “BF,” as he is fondly called by his constituents and supporters. I never have had the opportunity to meet him personally although I was an educator in a university in Marikina. What I know about him are his programs and the way he implemented them.
When I was still a student, it was not unusual to spend almost two hours in traffic along Marcos Highway, going to Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City from Sta. Lucia East Mall in Cainta. BF became instrumental in easing the traffic along Marcos Highway by getting rid of road obstructions and illegal settlers. And he put efficient lighting on the streets of Marikina. He said that one way of preventing crimes from being committed was to put lights on the streets.
He was also responsible for clearing the sidewalk in Marikina City and other parts of Metro Manila when he became MMDA chair. U-turn slots were created and footbridges were constructed during his term. I always heard people say, “Do not jaywalk. BF will catch you.” There was respect then for people in authority. There was fear of getting caught violating the law.
He lost the vice presidential election in 2010. He will give Filipinos a favor if he decides to offer himself now as president. He will definitely be a sensible option in the election. Just like what his slogan says—“BF gets it done.”
—JEEZER A. REYES, reyesja78@gmail.com