Gordon announces presidential bid, BF as running mate for 2010 polls

With a vision to effect genuine change for the nation, Senator Richard Gordon and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando formalized today their bid to run for the country's top two positions.

Gordon announced that he will run for President under the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (VNP) party. Fernando is his running mate.

"The time has come for action and results! This is a partnership of proven change, transformers of hearts and minds, builders of character and communities for a better Philippines. The future of our country is in our hands. Together, we can build a BAGUMBAYAN," he said.

Gordon and Fernando filed today their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office after a wreath-laying ceremony at the monuments of Lapu-Lapu and Jose Rizal, the inspirations of the Bagumbayan-VNP party, at Bagumbayan (Rizal Park) in Manila.

In making his important announcement, Gordon stressed that the electorate should look into the track record of the candidates and study what they are consistently doing in their communities that make a difference in the lives of the people.

"Our country needs a leader and not just a political figure. We need leaders with vision, competence and track record. We need leaders who know not only what the country needs, but also what should be prioritized among those needs and how each necessity should be addressed," he said.

Gordon was a Mayor of Olongapo City and Founding Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). He turned Olongapo from a sin city into a model city and transformed the Subic naval base into a progressive Freeport.

As Secretary of Tourism, he rejuvenated the country's tourism industry with his "WOW Philippines!" campaign; and as chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), he made possible the organization's modernization.

As Senator, Gordon introduced measures that the country needs such as the Amended Automated Elections System Law, the Veterans Equity law, and the Tourism Act of 2009, among others.

On the other hand, Fernando, a three-term City Mayor of Marikina, transformed the former municipality into one of the best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. During his incumbency, Marikina City was accorded 55 citations and distinctions

As MMDA Chairman, he introduced programs and projects that dramatically changed Metro Manila into a livable metropolis.