http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100308-257424/Fernando-No-regrets-dismantling-illegal-vendors-stalls
MANILA, Philippines -- Thanks, but no thanks.
Bayani Fernando will not miss the votes of illegal vendors whose stalls he ordered demolished when he was still chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In fact, the Bagumbayan vice presidential bet said he would repeat the deed if required by the next administration.
“It’s okay if they don’t vote for me,” he said in Filipino in a live interview at a morning talk show on Monday.
“And in case I win, I would not hesitate to do it again in case it’s necessary,” he added.
“I did what I had to do; I am not scared of losing your votes. Leaders need to be strong and be able to defend their decisions. It’s like a father who should not be scared of displeasing his son for the sake of doing what’s right,” Fernando said.
Fernando insisted it was the responsibility of the MMDA to demolish illegal stalls constructed along sidewalks of public markets in Metro Manila.
“I’m very sure that doing that was a service to pedestrians who used these sidewalks. I have no doubt that (the demolitions) were beneficial,” he added.
Fernando said market vendors with legal permits and stalls supported his move to demolish the illegal ones.
Hence, he is confident that he has their support.
In fact, one of Fernando’s political advertisements features an ex-illegal vendor who thanked the erstwhile MMDA chair for causing the destruction of her stall and forcing her to resort to a legal means of livelihood.
According to Fernando, clean and high quality food supply has been assured in public markets because of the dismantling of illegal vendor stalls.
“I think the people realize these things and are grateful for them,” he said.
Fernando, an engineer by profession, added that although observers appreciated his work as mayor of Marikina, which became progressive during his watch, he would want a higher challenge -- that of helping lead the country to a level of growth that would go beyond physical infrastructure.
“We installed discipline in Marikina but we have to remember that community does not only mean schools and parks. People are the most important resource. My passion for building structures can be converted to building character. It was the most important thing we did in Marikina,” he said.
MANILA, Philippines -- Thanks, but no thanks.
Bayani Fernando will not miss the votes of illegal vendors whose stalls he ordered demolished when he was still chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In fact, the Bagumbayan vice presidential bet said he would repeat the deed if required by the next administration.
“It’s okay if they don’t vote for me,” he said in Filipino in a live interview at a morning talk show on Monday.
“And in case I win, I would not hesitate to do it again in case it’s necessary,” he added.
“I did what I had to do; I am not scared of losing your votes. Leaders need to be strong and be able to defend their decisions. It’s like a father who should not be scared of displeasing his son for the sake of doing what’s right,” Fernando said.
Fernando insisted it was the responsibility of the MMDA to demolish illegal stalls constructed along sidewalks of public markets in Metro Manila.
“I’m very sure that doing that was a service to pedestrians who used these sidewalks. I have no doubt that (the demolitions) were beneficial,” he added.
Fernando said market vendors with legal permits and stalls supported his move to demolish the illegal ones.
Hence, he is confident that he has their support.
In fact, one of Fernando’s political advertisements features an ex-illegal vendor who thanked the erstwhile MMDA chair for causing the destruction of her stall and forcing her to resort to a legal means of livelihood.
According to Fernando, clean and high quality food supply has been assured in public markets because of the dismantling of illegal vendor stalls.
“I think the people realize these things and are grateful for them,” he said.
Fernando, an engineer by profession, added that although observers appreciated his work as mayor of Marikina, which became progressive during his watch, he would want a higher challenge -- that of helping lead the country to a level of growth that would go beyond physical infrastructure.
“We installed discipline in Marikina but we have to remember that community does not only mean schools and parks. People are the most important resource. My passion for building structures can be converted to building character. It was the most important thing we did in Marikina,” he said.
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