Pangasinan Today

The stickers are synonymous to the word “hero,” a fitting tribute as the country commemorates Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary and the upcoming National Heroes’ Day.

But “Bayani” is also the name of Manila’s traffic czar, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando.

With the long vacation up ahead, passengers could not help but react to it.

“Para saan… Wala pa namang personality si Fernando na magkaganyan di ba?,” said commuter Mario Rafael.

“Double purpose siguro…. So OK lang siguro na magdikit ng bayan but not for personal [reasons]. Magpakabayani na lang siya,” said commuter Brenda Caingol.

But the Integrated Metropolitan Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) defended the posting of the stickers.

Posted two months ago, it was meant to celebrate the country’s independence.

“Kung kay Chairman Fernando yan, marami sigurong operator na natutuwa kay Chairman dahil iba na yung ugali niya ngayon,” said IMBOA president Claire de la Fuente.

The MMDA admitted they ordered the bus operators to post the stickers, but clarifieed it was not meant for politicking.

“Ang inilagay natin ay “Bayani.” Nagkataon na ‘yong ating Chairman ay Bayani. Hindi na nila natanggal,” MMDA Traffic Enforcement chief Bobby Esquivel.

“Ako, ako mismo nagpalabas kami niyan. Bayani. Eh hindi ko na alam. Siguro ginaya na ng mga tao kasi nagagandahan sila,” said Fernando.

Institute for Political and Electoral Reform executive director Ramon Casiple however did not conform with their opinion.

“Lusot siya pero magkakaroon ng epekto yan sa mga botante. Merong mga botanteng maiinis sa ginagawa yan. Ilan diyan pera ng bayan,” Casiple said.

A vocal presidential candidate for 2010 polls, Fernando even went as far as Cabanatuan City to boost his popularity.

Cabanatuan motorists earlier thought they were in EDSA, the capital’s main thoroughfare, when they saw his giant posters all over the city, telling the motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.