(MANILA BULLETIN)

The late former Marikina City mayor and congressman, Bayani “BF” Fernando, has been honored by the House of Representatives through the adoption of a resolution. 

Adopted via simple voice vote (ayes vs. nayes) before dawn Tuesday, Sept 26 during a marathon plenary session was House Resolution (HR) No.1332, which expresses the chamber's profound condolences to the family of the late Fernando. 

Fernando, 77, passed away in an accident inside his Marikina home last Sept. 22.

In the resolution principally authored by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Fernando was described as "a true public servant" whose unwavering commitment to leadership and governance served as "a prime example for all local public officials, as he never succumbed to popular influence when it came to enforcing the laws". 

Fernando's illustrious career spanned various key roles, including mayor of Marikina City for three consecutive terms from 1992 to 2001, president of the Metro Manila Mayor’s League in 2001, chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in 2002, a short stint as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2003, a return to his previous post as MMDA chairman from later 2003 to 2009, and representative of the Marikina City's 1st district during the 17th and 18th Congress from 2016 to 2022. 

The resolution also recognized BF as a "staunch advocate of simple, effective, and science-based policies and the preservation of the rule of law, exemplifying a strong and commendable track record of reliable governance". 

"Honorable Bayani 'BF' F. Fernando will always be remembered for uplifting the welfare and well-being of countless Marikeños and the Filipino people,” read the resolution. 

Under Fernando's leadership, Marikina swiftly transformed from a fourth-class municipality into a model city, renowned for its cleanliness, law-abiding residents, and pedestrian accessibility. This remarkable progress earned Marikina the prestigious title of Best National Capital Region Local Government Unit in 1994 and the Most Outstanding City in the Philippines in 1997. 

During his tenure as MMDA chief, Fernando exhibited unwavering political determination and applied scientific and practical solutions to address perennial issues in Metro Manila, including waste management, traffic congestion, and flooding. 

While serving in the House of Representatives as deputy minority leader in the 18th Congress, Fernando focused on policy advocacies to enhance transportation, the MMDA, and private infrastructure. 

He introduced notable bills, including House Bill (HB) No.0922, also known as the "Road Use Act of 2019"; HB No.0923, the "Philippine Building Act of 2019"; and HB No.2141, titled "An Act Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Metropolitan Manila Council in Formulating Policies, Rules, and Regulations, and in Enacting Ordinances for Metro Manila, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act (RA) No.7924, entitled “An Act Creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Defining its Powers and Functions, Providing Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes." 

Fernando was also a co-author of several nationally significant laws, including RA No.11534, known as the "Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act"; RA No.11291, the "Magna Carta of the Poor"; RA No.11229, the "Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act"; and RA No.11215, the "National Integrated Cancer Control Act." 

HR No.1332 was adopted in consolidation with HR Nos.1327 and 1330.