Bayani Fernando

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific_prefix = The Honorable

| name = Bayani Fernando

| image = Rep. Bayani Fernando (18th Congress PH).jpg

| imagesize =

| alt =

| caption = Official portrait, 2019

| office = Member of the
House of Representatives
from Marikina's 1st district

| term_start = June 30, 2016

| term_end = June 30, 2022

| predecessor = Marcelino Teodoro

| successor = Marjorie Ann Teodoro

| order2 =

| office2 = Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

| president2 = Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

| term_start2 = June 5, 2002

| term_end2 = November 25, 2009

| predecessor2 = Benjamin Abalos

| successor2 = Oscar Inocentes

| order3 =

| office3 = Secretary of Public Works and Highways

| president3 = Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

| term_start3 = January 15, 2003

| term_end3 = April 15, 2003

| predecessor3 = Simeon Datumanong

| successor3 = Florante Soriquez{{Cite web |title=[Untitled image] |url=http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/about_us/img/f_sec/BAYANI_FERNANDO.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718233626/http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/about_us/img/f_sec/BAYANI_FERNANDO.jpg |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |format=JPG |via=dpwh.gov.ph}}

| order4 =

| office4 = Vice Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

| president4 = Fidel V. Ramos

| term_start4 = September 29, 1994{{cite news|last=Mahilum|first=Ed|title=Oreta elected new chairman of MMA|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sK4mAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KAsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6584%2C4519026 |access-date=January 27, 2023|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=September 30, 1994|page=6}}

| term_end4 = 1995{{cite news|last=Cruz|first=Marinel R.|title=BF says no to biofilm|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p0RaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZSUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=872%2C8488965|access-date=January 27, 2023|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=August 3, 2003|page=C4}}

| predecessor4 = Prospero Oreta

| successor4 =

| order5 = 9th

| office5 = Mayor of Marikina

| term_start5 = June 30, 1992

| term_end5 = June 30, 2001

| 1blankname5 = Vice Mayor

| 1namedata5 = Del de Guzman

| predecessor5 = Rodolfo B. Valentino

| successor5 = Marides Fernando

| birth_name = Bayani Flores Fernando

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1946|07|25}}

| birth_place = San Juan, Rizal, Philippines

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|9|22|1946|07|25}}

| death_place = Quezon City, Philippines

| nationality =

| resting_place = Loyola Memorial Park

| party = NPC (2015–2016; {{circa|2018}}–2023)

| otherparty = PDP–Laban (2016–{{circa|2018}})
Bagumbayan–VNP (2009–2015)
Lakas–CMD (1992–2009)

| spouse = Maria Lourdes C. Fernando

| father = Gil Fernando

| mother = Remedios Flores Fernando

| children = Tala Fernando

| residence = Marikina, Metro Manila

| alma_mater = Mapúa Institute of Technology (BS)

| occupation = Politician

| signature =

| website = {{URL|https://bayanifernando.life/}}

| 1namedata4 = Prospero Oreta

| 1blankname4 = Chairman

| relations = Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa (sister)

| profession = Mechanical Engineer

}}

Bayani Flores Fernando ({{IPA|tl|bɐˈjɐnɪ ˈflɔrɛs fɛɾˈnɐndɔ|lang}}; July 25, 1946 – September 22, 2023) was a Filipino politician, businessman, and mechanical engineer. He served as the Mayor of Marikina from 1992 to 2001. During the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, he served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2002 to 2009 and Secretary of Public Works and Highways from January to April 2003. He was a candidate for vice president of the Philippines in the 2010 elections as the running mate of Dick Gordon. He later served as the representative for Marikina's 1st district from 2016 to 2022.

Born four months before his father Gil Fernando was appointed mayor of Marikina, Fernando's childhood was spent close to his father whilst he worked in local government. After graduating from Mapúa Institute of Technology in 1967, Fernando soon established a construction company within his backyard that would later be named BF Corporation. His company served as the main contractor for infrastructure projects in the 1990s such as Rufino Pacific Tower, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila and PBCom Tower.{{cite book|title=The VIP's of Philippine Business, Volume 4|date=1993|publisher=Mahal Kong Pilipinas Foundation, Incorporated|page=23|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I0qPAAAAIAAJ|access-date=May 20, 2022}}

Though he ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1988, Fernando won in the 1992 mayoral election against incumbent mayor Rodolfo Valentino. During his mayorship, Marikina was noted to have markedly improved its infrastructure and cleanliness compared to the preceding decade, with him renewing government efforts to clean the Marikina River, improve emergency services, remove obstructions to public sidewalks and move informal settlers to resettlement sites within the town itself.{{cite news|last=Marasigan|first=Fernan|title=P60-M river park project gets underway|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=September 5, 1993|page=15|quote=Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando has ordered the local engineer's office to go ahead with the construction of the P60-million Marikina River Recreational Park project.}}{{cite news|title=Philippines Program Honors "A Praiseworthy Local Place"|work=Ford Foundation REPORT|publisher=Ford Foundation|date=Winter 1996|location=Marikina, Metro Manila|quote=Residents are quick to credit their mayor, Bayani Fernando, who marshaled the Marikina community to restore its environment. His project is one of several success stories honored this year by a program [Galing Pook] recognizing outstanding government initiatives in the Philippines.}}{{cite news|last=Guerrero|first=Lani L.|title=Sustainable growth remains town's top priority|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=April 10, 1996|page=14|quote=The resolution of the squatter problem eased implementation of an even more ambitious project: Save the Marikina River.}}{{cite news|last=Contreras|first=Volt|title=Rescue 161 saves lives in Marikina|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=July 6, 1999|page=21|quote=[Rodrigo] Caguimguim explained that though 161 had been operational since May 1993, its "5-Minute Quick Response" undertaking was launched only in 1997.}} Due to Fernando's disciplinarian approach to governance, he received regular opposition from Marikina congressman Romeo Candazo, a lawyer and former student activist, throughout his tenure.{{cite news|last=Marasigan|first=Fernan|title=Marikina recall plan pushed|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=June 19, 1993|page=7|quote=The Alyansa ng Mamamayang Nagbubuwis sa Marikina (Alma Na Marikina) led by Rep. Romeo Candazo said it has begun meeting local barangay officials on the recall plan.}}{{cite news|last=Marasigan|first=Fernan|title=Solon dares mayor to arrest him|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=July 4, 1993|quote=Marikina Rep. Romeo Candazo has challenged Mayor Bayani Fernando to arrest him and to stop harassing workers undertaking the congressman's various infrastructure projects in the town.}}{{cite news|last=Bocobo|first=Ariel|title=Ramos reaching out to media|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=April 26, 1994|page=11|quote=He [Bayani Fernando] blamed this on a systematic demolition job against his administration by Marikina Congressman Romeo D. Candazo.}}{{cite news|last=Jacinto|first=Gerry G.|title=Marikina congressman hits smear campaign on cityhood|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=December 10, 1996|page=8|quote=[Bayani] Fernando alleged that [Romeo] Candazo launched a misleading campaign to derail the holding of the plebiscite. Candazo said Fernando’s allegations has [sic] no basis at all.}} Despite their contentious relationship, Fernando and Candazo briefly worked together in the conversion of Marikina into a city in 1996.{{cite news|last1=Macaspac|first1=Joem H.|last2=Jacinto|first2=Gerry|title=Marikina cityhood bill approved|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=September 13, 1996|page=8|quote=The move to convert Marikina into a city was initiated by Rep. Romeo Candazo and Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando[...]}}{{cite news|last=Fabella|first=Ferdinand|title=Marikina votes on cityhood Dec. 7|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=December 5, 1996|page=6|quote=He [Romeo Candazo] said he had coordinated with [Bayani] Fernando for the mobilization of barangay officials, including youth leaders since the start of the campaign period last Nov. 12.}} In the years since his mayorship ended in 2001, Fernando's leadership in Marikina has been described as "transformative" for the city.{{cite news|last=Romero|first=Segundo Eclar|title=Our Bayani|url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/166582/our-bayani|access-date=February 10, 2025|work=Inquirer Opinion|publisher=INQUIRER.net|date=September 26, 2023|quote=Bayani Fernando’s exemplary transformative leadership in the Philippines has left an indelible mark on the city of Marikina, a place I have called home for the past two decades.}}{{cite news|last=Trinidad|first=Recah|title=An ugly duckling many people now want to marry|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=April 29, 2002|page=A26|quote=One sharp-eyed guy who has gladly noted the transformation [of Marikina] is writer Fred dela Rosa, a prodigy and favorite beer buddy of National Artist Nick Joaquin.}}{{cite book|last=Ople|first=Blas F.|author-link=Blas F. Ople|title=The Many Faces of a Global Nation|date=2004|publisher=Foreign Service Institute|location=Pasay City|isbn=971-552-067-7|page=195|quote=Earlier than [Lito] Atienza, another mayor, Bayani Fernando, had transformed the city of Marikina into a model community.}}{{cite journal|last=Mendoza|first=Meynardo P.|editor-last=Yusuke|editor-first=Takagi|title=Conjugal Mayorship: The Fernandos and the Transformation of Marikina, 1992–2010|journal=Southeast Asian Studies|date=August 2021|volume=10|issue=2|pages=255-272|publisher=Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University}}

Early life and education

Bayani Flores Fernando was born on July 25, 1946 in San Juan del Monte, Rizal (now San Juan, Metro Manila) to lawyer and politician Gil E. Fernando (1905–2000), founder of the Marikina chapter of the Liberal Party, and Remedios Flores; his birth came just three weeks after Philippine independence and four months prior to Gil's appointment as mayor of Marikina. His family was noted to be fond of the arts, with his father being an orator and avid reader, his mother a pianist, and his elder sister Ligaya a dancer.{{cite book|last=Fernando-Amilbangsa|first=Ligaya|author-link=Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa|title=Pangalay: Traditional Dances and Related Folk Artistic Expressions|date=1983|publisher=Filipinas Foundation for the Ministry of Muslim Affairs|page=207|quote=Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa was born on October 9, 1942, and grew up dominated by a strong-willed and very musical mother who gave free piano lessons to the children of close friends[....] Her idealist father [Gil Fernando], an avowed book and plant lover[...]}}

Fernando finished his secondary education at the Marikina School of Arts and Trades (now Marikina Science High School). He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the Mapúa Institute of Technology.{{Cite news|date=April 20, 2010 |title=The Vote 2010: Bayani Flores Fernando |work=Philstar.com |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2010/04/20/567773/vote-2010-bayani-flores-fernando|access-date=August 1, 2018}}

Business career

{{redirect|BF Corporation|the defunct Philippine bank commonly abbreviated to "BF"|Banco Filipino}}

After graduating, Fernando was employed for a total of six months under two companies before establishing his own construction company in the backyard of his Marikina home called BF Metal Benders in 1968 from a loan of ₱6,000.{{cite news|title=BF® Corporation gets it done|work=Manila Bulletin|publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation|date=May 1, 1992|page=B-12|quote=1978 On July 26 the company was incorporated and began doing business as BF METAL CORPORATION.}}{{cite news|last=De Vera|first=Ruel S.|title=River Proud|work=Sunday Inquirer Magazine|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=August 27, 2000|page=19}}{{cite book|title=The VIP's of Philippine Business, Volume 4|date=1993|publisher=Mahal Kong Pilipinas Foundation, Incorporated|page=23|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I0qPAAAAIAAJ|access-date=May 20, 2022|quote=[...]founder Bayani Fernando, fresh from college built himself in the backyard of his family house a lean-to-shop fro [sic] metal works and named it BF Metal Benders.[...] In 1973, BF Metal Benders became BF Metal Engineering[...]}} In 1973, Fernando changed its name to BF Metal Engineering, and by 1976, his company became a general contractor. In 1977 the company was given the contract for the fencing of the Central Bank of the Philippines' Security Printing Plant, Mint and Gold Refinery Complex (now simply Security Plant Complex) in Quezon City, at the time the largest fencing project in the country.

In July 1978, BF Metal Engineering was incorporated as BF Metal Corporation. By 1985, Fernando changed its name to simply BF Corporation to indicate its diversified engineering services and placed it under the BF Group of Companies, which served as an umbrella company that includes BF Construction Company and BF Metal Works.{{cite news|last=Untalan|first=Sherylin|title=Bayani Fernando, longtime Marikina mayor, passes away|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/882954/ex-marikina-rep-bayani-fernando-passes-away/story/|access-date=February 10, 2025|work=GMA News Online|publisher=GMA Network Inc.|date=September 22, 2023|quote=He founded the BF Group of Companies in 1985.}} His company became involved in the construction of structures for the SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM City Marikina, SM City Sucat, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, and buildings in Makati's business district such as Rufino Pacific Tower and the PBCom Tower, both of which were the tallest buildings in the Philippines at the time of their respective construction.{{Cite web|title=Completed Projects|url=http://bfgencon.com/completed_projects|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903073958/http://bfgencon.com/completed_projects|archive-date=September 3, 2014|website=BF Corporation}}

Long after leaving MMDA, his construction company won a Public–private partnership (PPP) bid that will build classrooms and school buildings for the Department of Education.{{Cite news |last=Dumlao |first=Doris |date=August 16, 2012 |title=Group Led by Bayani Fernando, Megawide Win Bid for School-Building PPP Projects |work=Inquirer.net |url=http://business.inquirer.net/77196/group-led-by-bayani-fernando-megawide-win-bid-for-school-building-ppp-projects |access-date=August 1, 2018}}

His company was again involved in a government project, the Common Station for lines Line 1, Line 3, Line 7, and Line 9 (Metro Manila Subway), supplying steel foundations for the structure.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AcSYs9hWW4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/_AcSYs9hWW4 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=DOTr at Katuwang na Kumpanya, Nagpirmahan na para sa Disenyo at Pagtatayo ng Common Station |date=February 13, 2019 |last=GMA News |language=fil |trans-title=DOTr and Partner Company Sign for the Design and Construction of the Common Station |via=Youtube}}{{cbignore}} The same company would also supply steel that would become the foundation for large span girders in the NLEX Segment 10.1 Harbor Link section.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

Political career

=Mayor of Marikina (1992–2001)=

Fernando first ran for mayor of the municipality of Marikina in 1988, finishing in fourth place among seven candidates.{{cite news|last=Javier|first=Aser B.|title=Public Entrepreneurship as a Local Governance Strategy in Decentralizing Polity|url=https://www.gsid.nagoya-u.ac.jp/bpub/research/public/forum/21/02.pdf|access-date=May 20, 2022|work=Forum of International Development Studies|date=March 2002|page=29|quote=In the 1988 local elections, Bayani Fernando placed fourth among seven mayoralty candidates.}} In 1992, he was elected mayor of Marikina, defeating reelectionist mayor Rodolfo Valentino, Jose Buenconsejo and two other candidates.{{cite news|last1=Calalo|first1=Arlie|last2=Burgos|first2=Jun|title=Mayors of Muntinlupa, Marikina proclaimed|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=May 21, 1992|page=12|quote=Lakas-NUCD's Fernando, 45, [...] was proclaimed by Jose Beltran of the Commission on Elections as the victor with 57,726 votes against the 19,243 of his closest rival, reelectionist Mayor Rodolfo Valentino of the LDP.}}{{cite news|title=New Marikina mayor calls for discipline|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp.|date=July 5, 1992|page=7|quote=[...Mayor Bayani Fernando] and his running mate, Vice Mayor Del de Guzman, and the town’s 12 councilors were sworn into office by Judge Jerry Gonzales.}}

His administration as mayor transformed the former municipality into one of the best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. His term saw the transformation of Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city accorded with 55 citations and distinctions.{{cn|date=September 2023}} He was re-elected mayor twice, serving until 2001. He was succeeded by his wife, Marides Fernando.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

=Arroyo administration (2002–2009)=

==MMDA chairman (2002–2009)==

In 2002, Fernando was appointed Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, directing him to duplicate his transformation work in Marikina, but for the entire Metro Manila. He gained polarized public reactions to his strict style of governance.{{Cite web|last=Coloma|first=Sonny|author-link=Herminio Coloma Jr.|date=September 28, 2023|title=Bayani Fernando: Transformative local government leader and dedicated public servant |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/bayani-fernando-transformative-local-government-leader-and-dedicated-public-servant|access-date=October 24, 2024|website=Manila Bulletin|language=en}}

Fernando briefly served as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from January 15, 2003, until April 15, 2003.

For his work as chairman, he was conferred the Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, Ateneo de Cagayan, The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award for Government Service, the H.R Reyes Academic Medallion of Honor, Central Colleges of the Philippines and Doctor of the Public Administration, Honoris Causa by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Fernando is notable for introducing U-Turn slots, greatly increasing the amount of pedestrian overpasses at road intersections (called footbridges), pioneering broadcasting of the MMDA, sidewalk clearing operations, and revitalizing the assets and fleets of the government agency.{{cn|date=September 2023}} Although some of his policies and structures were met with resistance and complaints,{{cn|date=September 2023}} many of these can be still seen today. Subsequent MMDA chairmen continued many of BF's contributions, particularly the construction of footbridges.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

Fernando, along with former senator Joey Lina and Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Angelo Reyes, performed as a singing trio called the Three Tenors. Their concerts, seven of which were sold out, aimed to raise funds for their advocacies.{{cite news|last=Asis|first=Salve V.|title=3 tenors, 3 advocacies|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2006/11/24/370891/3-tenors-3-advocacies|access-date=February 10, 2025|work=Philstar.com|publisher=Philstar Global Corp.|date=November 24, 2006}}

==2010 vice presidential campaign==

On January 4, 2008, Fernando announced that he would be running for the presidency in the 2010 elections.{{Cite news |date=January 5, 2008 |title=MMDA Chief Says He May Be Admin's 2010 Standard Bearer |work=ABS-CBN News Online |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=104432 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=104432 |archive-date=July 9, 2007}} Fernando hinted that he had gathered the funds and logistics required for a nationwide campaign and was intent on running for the presidency with or without the support of his party, Lakas-CMD.{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2008 |title=MMDA Chief Will Run in 2010 to be Next 'No-Nonsense President' |work=GMA News Online |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/116144/news/nation/mmda-chief-will-run-in-2010-to-be-next-no-nonsense-president/}} But on September 16, 2009, when Lakas-CMD chose Gilberto Teodoro to represent their party for the presidency, Fernando reiterated "he is keeping his options open and may possibly run as an independent candidate or bolt out of the party."{{Cite news |last=Rosario |first=Ben R. |date=September 16, 2009 |title=Gibo is it! |work=Mb.com.ph |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/220897/gibo-it-lakaskampicmd-standard-bearer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922190553/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/220897/gibo-it-lakaskampicmd-standard-bearer |archive-date=September 22, 2009}}

Fernando announced his intention to run for President of the Philippines in the 2010 general elections, but after talks with Richard Gordon, he agreed to run instead as Vice-President under Gordon's newly established party, Bagumbayan.{{Cite web |last=Joven |first=Vernadette |title=Gordon-Fernando tandem sealed |url=https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/news-videos/2009/12/01/532747/gordon-fernando-tandem-sealed |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Philstar.com}}{{Cite web |last=Mendez |first=Christina |date=December 2, 2009 |title=Gordon, Fernando file COCs for president, vice president |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2009/12/02/528315/gordon-fernando-file-cocs-president-vice-president |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Philstar.com}} Fernando lost in the 2010 elections, placing fourth in the polls, losing to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay.{{Cite web |last=Calica |first=Aurea |date=June 11, 2010 |title=Noynoy: Call me 'P-Noy' |url=https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2010/06/11/582921/noynoy-call-me-p-noy |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Philstar.com}}

=Return to private life (2010–2016)=

Nothing was heard from Bayani Fernando after the elections; however, he made an appearance again with then MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, in the issue of informal settlers and the perennial flooding crisis, defending Tolentino in the flood control issues.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

On July 25, 2012, a Telephone Interview with Bayani Fernando was made by Senator Richard Gordon in a TV5 Radio Program. Bayani had been focusing on his construction and metal fabrication business at BF Corporation.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

=Representative for the 1st District of Marikina (2016–2022)=

==2016 congressional campaign==

After First District representative Marcelino Teodoro was term-limited, Bayani Fernando marked his political comeback by running for representative in the 2016 elections. He defeated Councilor Samuel Ferriol and Attorney Jopet Sison in the race, garnering 54.21% of the vote.{{Cite news |last=Alquitran |first=Non |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Fernando Wins House Seat |work=Philstar Global |url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/2016/05/12/1582314/fernando-wins-house-seat |access-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512111338/http://www.philstar.com/metro/2016/05/12/1582314/fernando-wins-house-seat |archive-date=May 12, 2016}}

==ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy==

On July 10, 2020, Fernando is among the 70 representatives who voted "yes" to "kill" (reject) the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, the largest Philippine television network. The hearing for the network's renewal unearthed several questionable issues, prompting Fernando's vote.{{Cite news |last=Perez-Rubio |first=Bella |date=July 10, 2020 |title=List of Lawmakers Who Voted for and Against ABS-CBN Franchise Renewal |work=Philstar Global |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/07/10/2027049/list-lawmakers-who-voted-and-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal |access-date=July 22, 2020}} He also suggested continuing investigations due to the issues found, and even probing the government agencies that were supposed to oversee compliance and operations of such networks.{{Cite news |last=Quismorio |first=Ellson |date=July 29, 2020 |title=Solons Now Want to Probe Agencies that Were Remiss in Supervising ABS CBN Operations |work=Manila Bulletin |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/29/solons-now-want-to-probe-agencies-that-were-remiss-in-supervising-abs-cbn-operations/}}

==Clash with Marcelino Teodoro and 2022 Marikina mayoral campaign==

In December 2020, Marcelino Teodoro submitted a complaint to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources against BFCT, claiming that the flooding caused by the passage of Typhoon Ulysses was a result of the construction firm's land reclamation project along the Marikina River. Fernando denied the claims, commenting that the flooding was the result of the narrowing of the river and the construction of the Manalo Bridge.{{cite web |date=2020-12-17 |title=DENR to Marikina Rep. Fernando: Explain 'encroachment' in Marikina River |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/12/17/DENR-to-Marikina-Rep.-Fernando--Explain--encroachment--in-Marikina-River.html |website=CNN Philippines |access-date=2022-07-29 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226032519/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/12/17/DENR-to-Marikina-Rep.-Fernando--Explain--encroachment--in-Marikina-River.html |url-status=dead }} The department would ultimately approve Teodoro's request to remove the reclaimed land, culminating in Teodoro's ouster from the Nationalist People's Coalition. Teodoro and his allies would later migrate to the United Nationalist Alliance.{{Cite web |last=Maderazo |first=Jake J. |date=2021-10-19 |title=15 out of 17 NCR mayors/kins will be "sure winners" |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/145410/15-out-of-17-ncr-mayors-kins-will-be-sure-winners |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

Fernando would challenge Teodoro for the city's mayoralty, running under the NPC banner. His running mate was Tumana Barangay Captain Ziffred Ancheta. He ran on the platform of continuing his policies as mayor and to improve the city's infrastructure.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

Fernando was defeated in his election bid, only receiving 17.51% of the vote.{{cn|date=September 2023}} The congressional seat left open by his mayoral campaign was filled by Marjorie Ann Teodoro.{{cn|date=September 2023}} Had Fernando been elected back to the mayoralty, he would have been the second former mayor in the city's history to do so.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

Legacy

Fernando was known for painting pink of the overpasses, waiting sheds and sidewalk barriers and structure under the flyovers while serving as chairman of the MMDA. The color was later used by Leni Robredo while campaigning for presidency in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Marichu A. |date=October 11, 2021 |title=Shades of pink |url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2021/10/11/2133219/shades-pink |access-date=November 25, 2024|website=Philstar.com}}

Under Fernando's leadership, Marikina transformed into a model of discipline and efficiency. His policies laid the foundation for the city's reputation for cleanliness and orderliness, a legacy that continues today.https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/25/bayani-fernando-a-real-bayani-in-public-service

Fernando implemented strict sidewalk-clearing operations to remove illegal vendors and obstructions, aiming to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. These measures were often enforced with a firm approach, earning both praise and criticism. https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/what-we-miss-about-bayani-fernando-a00293-20200624 This policy was ultimately continued by succeeding MMDA Chairpersons.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Recognizing the importance of flood control, Fernando initiated river dredging activities to prevent flooding in the metropolis, particularly in Marikina. This proactive approach has been continued by his successors, highlighting its effectiveness in urban management.https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/bayani-fernando-transformative-local-government-leader-and-dedicated-public-servant?

Fernando introduced male urinals in public areas to address public urination issues. While innovative, this measure sparked debates about public decency and urban aesthetics.https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/what-we-miss-about-bayani-fernando-a00293-20200624

In 2003, as Fernando was preparing to run for vice president in 2004, he turned down director Carlo J. Caparas' offer to adapt his life into a film due to electoral rules prohibiting candidates from campaigning prior to the campaign period, and stated: "Besides, I don't find my life interesting enough to be turned into a movie because I have not killed anyone and I only have one wife."{{cite news|last=Mocon|first=Claudeth|title=MMDA's Fernando gets movie offer|url=http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/sb/sb002777.htm|work=Philippine Headline News Online|date=May 12, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909111316/http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/sb/sb002777.htm|archive-date=September 9, 2013|url-status=dead|location=Manila|quote='When I [Bayani Fernando] was still a mayor of Marikina, I received a similar offer from a film producer. He asked me, how many wives do I have? I said, one. Then they asked how many persons did you kill? I answered none. They replied, naku, mahirap ito.'}}{{cite news|last=Cruz|first=Marinel R.|title=BF says no to biofilm|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p0RaAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA41#v=onepage&q&f=false|access-date=February 10, 2025|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc.|date=August 3, 2003|page=C1}}

Personal life

Fernando was married to Marides Carlos, his successor as mayor of Marikina. They had one daughter named Tala Fernando, who is married to John Paul L. Ang, the eldest son of business magnate Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation. Fernando was a former member of the Philippine Independent Church.{{Cite speech |last=Macapagal-Arroyo |first=Gloria |author-link=Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo |event=Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipay Church) |location=Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila |date=August 3, 2002 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=officialgazette.gov.ph |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2002/08/03/speech-of-president-arroyo-during-the-centennial-celebration-of-the-founding-of-the-iglesia-filipina-independiente-aglipay-church/ |title=PGMA's Speech During the Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipay Church |language=fil}}

=Death=

On September 22, 2023, Fernando was rushed to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City after accidentally falling from his house's roof while conducting repairs. The Metro Manila Development Authority later confirmed his death in a statement soon thereafter, as well as his wife Marides and the chief of staff of incumbent Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro. He was 77.{{Cite news |date=2023-09-22 |title=Bayani Fernando passes away |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/22/23/bayani-fernando-passes-away}}{{Cite web |date=2023-09-22 |title=Bayani Fernando, longtime Marikina mayor, passes away |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/882954/ex-marikina-rep-bayani-fernando-passes-away/story/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/22/2298236/bayani-fernando-marikina-mayor-who-engineered-citys-transformation-passes-away-77|title=Bayani Fernando, Marikina mayor who engineered city's transformation, passes away at 77|first=Christina|last=Chi|date=September 22, 2023|accessdate=September 23, 2023|work=The Philippine Star}} He was buried at the Loyola Memorial Park on September 27, 2023.{{cite news |title=Bayani Fernando laid to rest |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/09/28/2299492/bayani-fernando-laid-rest |access-date=September 28, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star}}

References

External links

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[http://www.bayanifernando.com.ph Official Website - Bayani Fernando]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060427072759/http://www.mmda.gov.ph/chairman.htm Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20100505233611/http://gordonbayani.com/ - Transformers Official Website]