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MMDA chair gets 'makeover' in street posters

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MANILA, Philippines - Motorists and commuters who ply Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) will soon be greeted by tarpaulins bearing the new photo of a “smiling" Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

According to a report aired by GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, Fernando decided to replace his present tarpaulins which bear the photo of a “serious" looking MMDA chairman.

Fernando, who had earlier announced that he would want to run for the presidency in 2010, had earlier posted his tarpaulins in key areas of Metro Manila.

The said tarpaulins drew flak from Fernando critics who accused the MMDA chairman of using public funds for his early campaign.

“This time I’ll try the one that’s smile. May be the reason why some people got mad, it is because they want to see an adorable smiling Fernando," the MMDA chair said.

Fernando’s number one critic, Paranaque Rep. Roil Golez said he already filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against the MMDA chairman.

Golez asked the Ombudsman to investigate Fernando over the latter’s tarpaulins along EDSA, none release of clothing allowance of MMDA personnel, and irregularities over MMDA regulations like the use of pink fences and U-turn slots.

The lawmaker also urged Malacanang to investigate and subject MMDA officials to a lifestyle check and determine if they have unexplained wealth.

When asked about Fernando’s plan to place his new tarpaulins, Golez said: “People are wondering why there are funds for tarpaulins but none for the clothing allowance…that will be another case for him."

In a separate text message to GMANews.Tv, Golez added: “Nakangiti o nakasimangot is not the issue. The issue is he is violating the MMDA rules banning billboards along high ways and avenues, spending scarce MMDA funds for his political promotion."

Golez said he will pursue his case against Fernando before the Ombudsman, “smiling or scowling."

Fernando, meanwhile, said he has no grudge against Golez despite the lawmakers move against him.

Fernando's tarpaulins - widely considered to be political ads - were torn down by the local government of Makati City, which is headed by Mayor Jejomar Binay, who is said to be another contender for presidential post in 2010.

Makati City executives have said then that they are not afraid of any retaliatory move from Fernando who had ordered the MMDA to tear down commercial billboards some months back without the owners' permission.- GMANews.TV
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