Fernando to run for prexy sans Lakas support

MANILA, Philippines - Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will run for president in the 2010 elections with or without the support of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD). In a report over dzBB radio, Fernando was quoted as saying that he will pursue his political ambitions even if the Lakas-CMD would refuse to pick him as the administration’s standard bearer. Fernando, a former mayor of Marikina City, also reportedly said that should Lakas ignore his presidential bid he will be forced to leave the party and form his own political party. Earlier reports said Lakas is wooing Vice President Noli de Castro to be the party’s presidential bet in the 2010 elections. Fernando shrugged off his current poor ratings from the people, saying Lakas has the power to make those ratings favorable towards him. Meanwhile, Fernando’s wife, Marikina City Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando, said she will no longer seek political post in 2010 and would just dedicate her time to support her husband’s election. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV