MMDA disowns ‘Bayani’ stickers on buses

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday disowned the "BAYANI" stickers displayed on the windshield of passenger buses. However, MMDA general manager Roberto Nacianceno admitted the stickers with the words "BAYANI" and the Philippine flag beside it were from the private fund of MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. "Pera ni chairman (Fernando) 'yun...sariling pondo ni chairman (That is from chairman Fernando's private fund)," Nacianceno said in an interview with radio dzBB's Mike Enriquez. The MMDA official said the distribution of stickers was a private effort of Fernando and the MMDA has nothing to do with it. He added MMDA employees were not authorized to distribute it. "We are not authorizing them to do that (posting of stickers on the buses)," Nacianceno said. He said only those posters and tarpaulins which indicate "Government Property" or "Printed by MMDA" are funded by the agency. He believed some private individuals have put on "BAYANI" stickers on their vehicles. "'Yung iba baka ginagawa na lang at dinidikit on their own (Maybe some, on their own, posted a similar sticker)," Nacianceno said. Fernando had earlier expressed desire to run for president in the 2010 elections. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV