Fernando still hoping to be nominated as Lakas vice presidential bet

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando admitted yesterday that Senator Noli de Castro may have an edge over him in politics but he remains optimistic that he has a fighting chance in bagging the vice presidential slot in the administration party.

Fernando, who has been very vocal about his plans in running as vice president in next year’s election, has been hoping for the support of his political party, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats .

However, it appears that party officials are seriously considering De Castro for the post.

Fernando said it is indeed a possibility that the party may choose De Castro because of the Senator’s long years in public service as a broadcaster and his strong following all over the country.

But he stressed that "it would not be a cause for me to stop. I think I have a fair chance."

Fernando said he is banking on his strong political will to initiate reforms and his performance, primarily the improvements he has made in Marikina City during his nine-year stint there as mayor, and his innovative projects in the MMDA to boost his chances.

In MMDA’s radio program yesterday morning, Fernando said he is considering the possibility of commissioning a survey group and going around the country "to tell the people that I am running for vice president."

A survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 showed De Castro leading the pack of contenders both in the presidential and vice presidential race. He was followed by former Education Secretary Raul Roco. In the same survey, Fernando ranked lowest among the vice presidential contenders.

"May bearing ang survey na yan pero tingnan natin sa perspective o situation na marami pang mangyayari or developments that might tip the balance (That survey has a bearing but let’s look at the perspective or situation that there are still many developments that might tip the balance)," he said.