The Palawan Report

Presidential candidate wannabe Bayani Fernando says his only intention in making his first out-of-town stomp with the presidency as his agenda is not to campaign or solicit votes but to present himself to his political party as a viable standard bearer in 2010.

“This is not electioneering,” Fernando, MMDA chair and the first political figure to openly admit an intention to run for the presidency, told the Inquirer during a press conference Wednesday at the Legend Hotel.

“This is no other way. Otherwise, how can my party (Lakas) evaluate whether I have the potential and be considered?”

Fernando had declared as early as the start of the year his presidential plans. But he disclosed that he had his eye on the presidency as early as 1992 when he won the mayoralty of Marikina.

He said Marikina and his stint in various government positions including the chairmanship of the Metro Manila Development Authority has been his training ground for governance

“With Lakas, I’m hoping that I will be declared the candidate (for presidency). I am the only one who has declared my intentions,” he said.

Fernando came prepared with his stand on various issues of national concern, and took pains to stress that he will concentrate his efforts on ridding the government of corruption and inefficiency.

But when asked about his stand on some of the issues that Palawan hold close, Fernando unwittingly contradicted the position taken by Puerto Princesa City imposing a 25 year commercial mining ban in the City.

He said that if he wins the presidency, he will discourage such legislations and encourage local governments to accept “responsible mining.”

“Puerto Princesa should rethink its position on mining,” he said.

He explained that the national government should convince local government units to embrace mining as a revenue source that will help improve the economy.