The Chairman’s ideology
November 10th, 2008 by blackshamaI have argued in my posts that MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando’s bid for the Presidency has to be taken more seriously than we did in Celebrity Duets (where he bagged the plum prize and made Ricky Reyes burst into tears of joy). While in the Metro, his chances are not taken seriously but even with his 1% SWS rating, the Palace has put him in the list of possible anointed ones.
The reason is that in the provinces he is increasingly seen as the Hero. Many people in the provinces are sick and fed up of the s_it that is dished out in Metro Manila every day. To a real extent, provincial people are disconnected with Manila but when they hear that Bayani has made things work even if only on EDSA, then they are impressed. Local executives who need to fly, ride or sail to Manila are often taken to Marikina and they come out impressed. Marikina has barely a pothole, no obstructions, no “tambay” on the streets and is PEACEFUL. But beyond that slew of natural disasters have proven that Bayani can have things done. So everytime there is a typhoon, they are reminded of Bayani.
While Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has the nebulous and to some insensitive ”ramdam and kaunlaran”, Bayani has his “kaayusan” We can recast this as “ramdam ang kaayusan” which is truer than that of Gloria’s. The pedestrians and jaywalkers have felt the pink fences and the vendors have felt and heard the bullhorns,the demolitions and the prison bus. Whichever your side is, Metro Manila citizens have felt what it is to be under Bayani Fernando. I have been ticketed for swerving and paid the fine. You and I can live with it.
This to a large extent is taken with pettiness by some Metro Manila mayors. We can see how different their turfs are from Marikina.
Those who like to read about political history may deduce that Bayani’s antics are so “fascist”. I would agree. But with a twist, Hitler and Mussolini never sang in public! Examples of Bayani’s “fascist” antics include his parade of dump trucks ala Moscow’s May Day parade, the “Hitleresque” posters on EDSA, and his face everywhere and this one takes the cake since the other ones are typically dished out by politicians. If there is communist graffiti on the walls, he covers it with pink and blue MMDA “art”! Not even Ferdinand and Imelda were that imaginative! It is even better than anything done by Dr Joseph Goebbles!
(BTW my Marikenyo friends tell me if BF gets to the Palace, expect a political dynasty. To which I replied: “So what else is new?”)
The kaayusan idea is really at the core of Bayani’s emerging ideology. The problem is that Gloria may use that as an extension of her “Strong Republic”. We need to see how his idea links or parallels with the Great Apo Ferdinand’s ideology. Despite what Coryists think of Mr Marcos, he is the only Philippine president to have left us a coherent record of his political ideology. It is about time that we revisit what Marcos envisioned.
Ferdinand Marcos had his chance at “fascist” glory but flopped. But Bayani has had his even before he could be president.The Left has grudgingly admitted this. Please take note that I have the word fascist in quotes. This is because Bayani’s idea can easily be implemented even in a liberal democratic framework. And this is the challenge that the electorate has to consider. Do we need to have someone like BF to make our country work? Better yet, can we contain his antics and not put our democracy in peril?
The answers will be given by an increasingly urbanized Filipino nation. Because by 2010 a majority of Filipinos will be urbanites and this follows the global trend. This is something missed out in comments about Bayani Fernando. His “Metro Philippines” is the butt of jokes among the Metro’s elite, but he is dead on target. The Philippines will turn out to be one gigantic Metro Manila and as an environmental scientist, I bet my last peso on that!
November 10, 2008 at 5:48 pm
He’d be wise to look into Vertical Farming. The city really ought to grow its own food instead of having a parasitic relationship with the countryside. Imelda would have her favorite architects working on vertical farms by now had we not thrown the Makoy dynasty out. Vertical farming would give the environment a much needed rest.
November 10, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Metro Philippines? He could do that to the capitals, fine. Leave the ecotourist spots alone >:(
November 10, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Bayani Fernando is a megalomaniac and continues to shameless use his public office to campaign for himself. We do not owe him anything and he cannot be credited for anything outside of Marikina and for giving his own company the contract for those slippery and disabled-unfriendly over passes. Do you call instilling discipline by shaming people good governance? Pleez. Just last weekend he and his cohorts appropriated over 150 garbage truck to stage a pink motorcade hailing him as our messiah. WTF!!!???
November 10, 2008 at 7:22 pm
“We do not owe him anything and he cannot be credited for anything outside of Marikina”
Tell that to Ilonggos buried by Typhoon Frank’s mud! You cannot blame them for being Bayani fans. I saw the blue MMDA earthmovers do the clearing, just a few days after the weather cleared.
“Do you call instilling discipline by shaming people good governance? ”
That is tried and proven true in boot camp!
November 10, 2008 at 7:36 pm
“I saw the blue MMDA earthmovers do the clearing, just a few days after the weather cleared.”
That is not ka-Bayanihan. It was incumbent on them to do that with our taxpayers’ money paying for the job.
“Shaming people… tried and proven true in boot camp”
Is Fernando martial law administrator???
November 10, 2008 at 7:49 pm
It is incumbent for the Iloilo government to have done Bayani’s job using taxpayer’s money. This speaks volumes on the different capacities for quick response and governance in the Philippines.
If BF becomes martial law administrator, he will be infinitely better at it than Juan Ponce Enrile! Remember engineers made the Final Solution work (for a while, Thank God) and not the lawyers.
November 10, 2008 at 8:58 pm
“Ang maliit na basura, ibulsa na lang muna.” Bayani Fernando
Ano ang sinabi mo, Bayani???Gloria Pidal
November 11, 2008 at 12:32 am
aside from the commentary that BF i using government resources to promote his ambition, the guy seem to be an effective administrator. he cleans up Marikina when he was the mayor and cleans up the street with itinerant vendors that clog the streets and make them unsafe.
November 11, 2008 at 12:50 am
“Many people in the provinces are sick and fed up of the s_it that is dished out in Metro Manila every day.” Most of the discussion on Philippine politics (and everything else, really) is centered in Manila, which I think just strengthens the “tyranny of Manila”. Perhaps, we should find ways to get more people from the provinces to participate in the dialogs.
Anyways, Bayani is a good administrator. A bit heavy handed perhaps but he’s had his share of successes in Marikina and in Metro Manila. He has the potential to be a good country administrator.
November 11, 2008 at 12:56 am
I’d probably vote for Bayani if he runs. Seriously. At least he has something to show for compared to the other wanna-bes like:
1. MAR…Mr. Fence-sitter forever! He has never stood up for anything. Heck, he can’t even stand up for Korina.
2. Villar…Mr. Quiet all of a sudden because he got busted by Ping
3. Noli …Er, no comment
4. Loren…Ms. Kap(b)it sa patalim…Er, no thanks…NEVER!…asa pa sya
5. Ping…Mr. Human Rights violator…sorry but I’m scared of the Police.
If you look at things objectively, hasn’t Bayani done a lot compared to the people mentioned above? Look at how Marikina has transformed into a real urban community.
He may have his quirks and all but he actually is an effective administrator. His wife Marides too.
So what’s all the fuss? We should be more scared of the likes of those listed above because they have done NOTHING. NOTHING. NOTHING.
November 11, 2008 at 2:58 am
i’m totally in agreement with you, jen. on my last visit, i was so impressed wih marikina, i almost bought a newly-built condo there (we ended up getting one at the fort).
there’s no perfect candidate. we have to settle for the best among all the flawed ones we have. we should have more faith in our rule of law. if elected, BF could transgress the law only at his peril. fascism is out of the question if we are vigilant of our democratic freedom.
November 11, 2008 at 3:41 am
Those billboards with his ugly face on them says it all, this man is VAIN and we all know from history that such people are best avoided and prevented from getting the top position in the land…
November 11, 2008 at 6:38 am
I agree with Jen. I would seriously consider Bayani. Although I do not approve of his gimmicks to promote himself, I can turn a blind eye because I understand that he needs to play politics if he wants to win. Ganon din naman ginagawa ng iba, ceteris paribus, angat si Bayani para sa akin.
November 11, 2008 at 7:10 am
Blackshama,
“Many people in the provinces are sick and fed up of the s_it that is dished out in Metro Manila every day. To a real extent, provincial people are disconnected with Manila but when they hear that Bayani has made things work even if only on EDSA, then they are impressed”
can you give me facts on this? sounds like you have no clue of the provinces. are you trying to imply that the provinces are easily impressed? well maybe you are right. But i can guarantee you that Loren is more popular than Bayani. As I said, the provinces have better taste in terms of looks. hahaha. we don’t like to be ruled by someone looking like another probinsyano :)
anyway, Bayani needs to work out and get his physical body in shape. He has to convince me just like my own people. If not, he’d better be ready to pay 1000 pesos per person to win. ( this is a fact)
you see blackshama, I know my people very well, you don’t.
November 11, 2008 at 9:37 am
“Do you call instilling discipline by shaming people good governance? ”
That is tried and proven true in boot camp!
Blackshama, you are such a scientist. :-D
November 11, 2008 at 9:54 am
Leytenian
I’m sure you know your people from Orlando FL!
November 11, 2008 at 10:25 am
hi blackshama,
i know BF and though I respect your judgment about the man, he’s as corrupt as Gloria. In fact, i think we will commit a very grievous error if we elect somebody like him in the presidency. He’s a disaster waiting to happen. Go to the SC cases. Many people filed cases against BF Construction before the Supreme Court.
How much is one steel bridge? How much is one U-TURN slot? How much is one toilet constructed along EDSA (one toilet cost 250,000 pesos. Can you imagine that?)
for example, will you agree with his plan to put concrete barriers to a highway such as EDSA where the very concept is free-flowing traffic? He’s the genius behind this concept right? Look at all those motorists victimized by his genius.
and are you sure that Bayani is considered as a genius in the provinces? pluleesh! I’ve been travelling in the North twice a month and you know what?
common folks look at him with disdain, sometimes they even laugh at him. Look at this poor fellow! He thinks highly of himself as if he’s the Sheriff of Nottingham! He does’nt even deserve being called this because he’s the Sheriff of Nothing-ham! He does’nt do anything yet he’s being given a ham. Such a lucky guy!
I respect your opinion of the guy. But, Blackshama, you need to open your eyes a little bit wider this time. Bayani Fernando does’nt deserve to be president of this country. Yes, he deserves to be president of a choir, or an organisation of construction firm owners. Or a group of engineers.
I also write this post for Jen. What works are you talking about? All of these things which Bayani allegedly implemented are already plans of the MMDA prior to Bayani.
We are being deceived by a guy who probably idolized Hitler and Macoy combined. I mean, did he ever told us about his vision? No. He just told us how beautiful his voice is.
November 11, 2008 at 10:27 am
….us how lovely his nasty voice is. BF sings like a dog barks.
November 11, 2008 at 10:34 am
I detect a strong sense of the satirical in blackshama’s pieces on Bayani Fernando and that’s how I choose to take them.
Until blackshama says he’s serious of course.
November 11, 2008 at 10:57 am
What he did with Marikina? Was that part of MMDA’s plans? I mean, you can hate the guy and all, but seriously, compare him with all those names I’ve listed above.
Granted those plans of the MMDA have been there prior to Bayani, you gotta give him credit for implementing them, right? Like I said, he has something concrete to show for, unlike the other people I’ve listed who can only go as far as making promises. So what if I see his fugly face plastered all over EDSA. That’s what EDSA’s gonna look like anyway after a while. I mean once these wanna-bes start, we will all be seeing more fugly faces plastered all over EDSA.
So who do you think would make a good President? MAR? Loren? Noli? Ping? Manny? That’s where I’m coming from.
November 11, 2008 at 11:12 am
LOL just picking on you blackshama but why Bayani?
If I have to assess his success factors, it would be cleanliness, beautification and project implementation of MMDA alone. Anybody can do that. I have lots of doubts but I will give him a chance, let’s say 3 months? will see
November 11, 2008 at 11:37 am
Mar, Loren, Noli, Manny and Ping have contributed
major policies in our congress. The problem in our country is the lack and slowness of implementation of those policies. Most policies are not just engineering and cleanliness skills. It involves understanding of financial accounting and budget; appointment of the right people; follow ups; rule of law; communication process and operation management; timeline and goal setting; and lastly the result of those policies( are we the people happy?) obviously not (looking at the bottom)
MMDA is a branch of our Executive Department. It’s only a portion of a presidential management requirements. Managing all the executive Departments ( looking from the top), plus controlling the sick Congress and SC for justice are not that easy. An engineer alone cannot do that. If Bayani had once own a business and employ many people, then maybe I can consider that experience as acceptable. But I don’t know more about his past experiences. How did he get to become a mayor? How did he become a director at MMDA? We also have to remember that in the Philippines, it is not what you know but who you know. Lots of things to consider.
Another problem in our country is when we elect someone in Congress, he/she may already know the weakness of our system thus will take it for granted, or may even take advantage of it or may be caught in the middle. We don’t have a lot of choices here. And that’s what I’m sad about. I am so pessimistic because trust has been broken. I’m sure many can relate to me.
We the people will be subject to an on-going risk of bringing our country into further division of inequality if we don’t Act now. Let’s not blog about bullshit. sorry… kinda fiesty lately.. grrrrrr :)
November 11, 2008 at 12:19 pm
He once owned a construction company that did private (construction) works prior to him becoming a public servant.
He is married to Marikina Mayor Marides Carlos-Fernando, daughter of businessman Meneleo J. Carlos, Jr., a chemical engineer and President of RI Chemicals. He also owns and manages Marikina Riverbanks. Mayor Marides Fernando comes from a very decent family. Her father, Meneleo is a very straight, honest, admirable man. He is the President of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and is a staunch advocate of competition policy and Philippine competitiveness.
November 11, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Jen,
I have to weigh things here. Please review commenter’s comment about Bayani on The East is Pink
If your assessment is true, I have time to listen and to keep an open mind.
November 11, 2008 at 4:41 pm
“We the people will be subject to an on-going risk of bringing our country into further division of inequality”
Huh? Is this the same racist lady who was so against ’spread the wealth taxation” (na hindi naman) ni Obama? O bakit against inequality na ang drama ni madir?
November 11, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I learned my satire from reading Rizal and Cervantes! I give you something worse than or as bad as a Bayani candidacy.
My fellow UP High alum, Jojo “Rambotito” Binay is gunning for the Presidency!
He says “Makati, today, Tommorrow the Philippines!”
Have you seen how Makati is run and abused, especially in attempts to overthrow the President? If Gloria has more sense, she could have declared the Makati CBD as a special economic zone under her authority and leave Jojo Binay the Makati beyond the “riles” and Kalayaan Avenue!
Now all you Obama fans and libbers out there. Hear ye! The Binay team is beginning to suggest that their “manok” is the Pinoy Barack Obama!
November 11, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Because you do not know about Marikina and how BF transformed it into the one of the wealthiest, cleanest, business savvy and livable cities not only in the Philippines but also in Asia.
BF was an executive, a businessman and an engineer by profession before he accepted the MMDA position.
If not for him and his discipline motto in the community, Marikina, the Shoe Capital of the PHilippines could have been the Rugby Sniffing Capital of the Philippines. Rugby is used in the shoe manufacturing.
What sets him from others is that when he undertakes a project, he sees to it that it is implemented successfully.
One of his most commendable projects lately is the Gwapotel Inn, a 20 a day and 5 for bath transients in the city.
It is the equivalent of the temporary shelter provided by non-profit orgs here in the States..,for transients and homeless.
I know that he has a slim chance to win. He was brandied as anti-poor because of his demolition of the shanties in the esteros which cause flood in the city…and his campaign to clean the sidewalks of the vendors.
I think his model is Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore where littering is punishable by a fine of several thousands if Singaporean dollars or caning or overnight stay in the prison whatever is applicable.
November 11, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I suggest that you have to find out the background of the person before you write your reaction. It shows that you know nothing about him and yet you are already saying a lot.
But when I said read, I do not say, respond by providing the link.
November 11, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Mother of pearl, what have we done to be blessed like this? Binay as president! With the full backing of Erap! We are indeed an enchanted country.
November 11, 2008 at 8:41 pm
give the guy a break. the law only requires he should at least be a natural born citizen, 40 years old, knows how to read and write.
if erap, after being convicted and pardoned for “plunder” is again wishing for a comeback, why not BF?
the more people run for the President is good for the people. money will be awash for the electorate to feast on. it is only at election time that money flows freely that could benefit the least of our brethens.
the present crop of politicians anyway, would not give us the best of the lot. they are all clowns and they all come during carnival time. let them distribute candies and goodies. for the poorest amongst us, and provides momentary reprieve for a long year hunger. :)
November 11, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Since someone has already referred to BF as some kind of Hitler, I take solace in that. But I haven’t read any mention of his kerosone-drenching methods which I found very inconsiderate (what an understatement) when I read it on the news several years back. I hope this doesn’t mean it is regarded as trivial.
As many have already pointed out, this guy gets things done — which is a must for any leader. But at what cost does he accomplish that? Pouring kerosene all over the fruits, vegetables and whatever other goods sidewalk vendors are selling is, to me, abhorrent. Sure, it drives home the message that the guy means business. But to send home a vendor with nothing to give his family for the day — just so the vendor is driven off the sidewalk — is something that indicates a lack of self-control and prudence.
Funny thing, I brought this up with two colleagues today and neither of them knew about these kerosene-pouring incidents.
Anyhow, I believe we do need a doer if he/she will lead the country effectively. But please not someone like BF who is becoming monstrous in my eyes as I continue to read the comments in FV. Not even a stint on Celebrity Duets can wipe out seemingly corrupt ways and tyrannical methods.
November 11, 2008 at 10:43 pm
sunnyday,
everyday we deal with a tyrant. some do it with a smile and “papogi” or “pabeauty” effect but at the end of the day, she\he gives the largesse to her\his cronies, dip her\his fingers in the treasury, practices nepotism, and dish out government contracts to friends and relatives who give part of the booty back for gratitude. that, from standpoint is a greater tyranny.
in BF you get what you see. he is high-handed, tyranical and maybe ruthless. but he was doing it to bring order to the streets of Metro Manila which is held hostage by vendors that make the streets unsafe for motorists and pedestrians.
these street vendors also unfairly engaged in business competition with legit stall holders that pays the government tax and business rentals to business establishment.
while we can symphatize with the plight of thousands of street vendors who eke their living out through unlicensed trade that make our streets unsafe, such practice should be discouraged and instead they should be relocated to an area where they can make their money without endangering others and create unfair competition with legit business.
the thrust, i supposed is for the government to provide alternative “tiangge” venue for our street vendors and not simply drive them out of the streets.
if BF has an agenda on how to address this “alternative” market venue for our poor vendors, i see no reason why the guy should not be given a break.
November 11, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I agree with the points you made, jcc, and in fact had been living in an area a few blocks away from where sidewalks would be teeming with such vendors, who would disperse every few days when authorities would come swooping down on them. Admittedly, their presence was an eyesore primarily due to the litter they left at the end of each day. I was overjoyed when they finally left several years ago (and haven’t been back since though I don’t know what became of them), but saddened by the means by which the MMDA chair drove them away. That image of this man doing what he did is haunting me again with the prospect of him becoming the country’s leader.
As I mentioned, the ability to get things done is a must for a person who is tasked with leading an entire nation. But must efficiency always go hand in hand with ruthlessness? Is it not a matter of forming a good team, getting competent people to work with/for you, those who know the public pulse and understand the Pinoy enough to sway public opinion and achieve behavior modification among the populace? Or is this an unrealistic expectation for a people like Filipinos who seem to still be too immature yet to “get going” without being coerced or cajoled in some way?
Can’t help it — with the combination of traits I see so far in the man, putting him in power is one scary notion.
November 11, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Thing is, I don’t feel strongly about any other possible contenders mentioned here.
November 11, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Who is the lesser evil? Rambotito or Bayani?
November 12, 2008 at 4:46 am
The true secret for our country is how well managers manage our country. A president will be judged by what she/he do but not what she/he said. This is about building relationship. The people are the president’s customer. Quality service will keep customers happy thus will grow the country.
Getting things done are not enough unless majority are happy. The majority are the poor not the middle class. On Bayani, who were his true customers? the rich, the middle class or the majority- the poor. But why use the poor people’s trucks?
November 12, 2008 at 5:27 am
poor people’s trucks? baloney. i bet they don’t even pay income taxes. stop your dull generalizations. the “majority” is not necessarily “the poor”.
everyone, rich, poor or middle class must obey the law. no fear or favor.
November 12, 2008 at 5:59 am
poor people’s trucks? this is the reason why we are getting help, Aids and donations from United Nations. It’s not taxation
See Programs between RP and United Nations
August 29, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Lahat kayong may duda sa kakayahan ni BF to run or manage a country,Please visit Marikina City ,Go to City hall & verify everything there.From Tax collection,Income of mkna. when he became a Mayor,Peace & order, Infrastructure proj.,Education,Health,How he solve Drug Problem, Housing for the poor,Why there’s no squatter in Mkna.,Discipline Laws being followed by people,No corruption in Govt. 250,000 trees planted or more, why investors come in to Mkna. Why there Public Market is no. 1 in the Phil. in terms of cleanliness,Bakit walang squatter sa tabing Ilog,80 Km bicycle lane, side walks even inside subdv., Vehicles are parked properly at night on designated areas,Marami po kayong madidiscover and you’ll be surprise how BF implemented all of them, and I’m sure you’ll be convince that BF should be our next President.