Golez now wants Fernando to explain Aklan trip

MANILA, Philippines - Continuing his tirade against Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez on Friday questioned the former's travel to Aklan province with his employees. In a text message to reporters, Golez said the House of Representatives should look into Fernando’s trip to Kalibo, Aklan to attend the Ati-Atihan Festival last January. He said the Fernando brought with him 100 MMDA officials and personnel, using the agency’s bus transported by RORO (roll on, roll off) ferry. "The inquiry will seek answers to the questions: What was the purpose of the reported trip? Who spent for this trip? Is Kalibo being considered for annexation as part of Metro Manila," he said. Golez also wanted Fernando to clarify his reported regular provincial sorties. "Are his trips approved by the President and the Metro Manila Council?" Golez asked. Early this week, Golez accused Fernando of 'uglifying' Metro Manila with his tarpaulin posters, U-turn lanes and pink paints. In seeking a House inquiry on Fernando’s projects, Golez said the MMDA chief was obviously using the agency to advance his political ambition. "Considering that the MMDA chairman has already announced his bid for higher office in 2010, the tarpaulins are obviously for his personal political benefit and he is, in my opinion, liable to be charged under the Anti-Graft law," Golez had said. As early as January this year, Fernando has expressed readiness to join the presidential race in 2010. Fernando earlier said that he believed he was the best presidential candidate from the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party. Golez said Fernando should be held liable for graft for allegedly taking advantage of his position for his personal benefit. A staff of Bayani told GMANews.TV that the MMDA chair was on a trip abroad. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV