Gordon-Fernando tandem introduce 3Cs to gain First World status

With the vision to build a better Philippines, Senator Dick Gordon and former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, candidates for President and Vice-President, said that change, commitment and continuity are the three important elements that would bring the country to a First World status.

Speaking from their experience as former local chief executives, the formidable duo of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines party stressed that change is necessary for development and progress, but there must be commitment and continuity to achieve the goal of a genuinely transformed nation.

"Our aim is to make the country First World. But there's got to be a gestation period before you achieve that. Japan took 19 years after the war to do so; Singapore got its independence in 1965, and now it beats many countries in Asia. That is because there is consistency of policy," Gordon said in an interview over Magic 89.9 FM radio.

He added that a six-year term is not enough to implement all the programs necessary to be a First World nation, which is why he has a teammate that not only would help him do the serious and tough job of leading the country towards that goal, but would also continue the programs after his term.

"One of the things that we need to learn in our country is teamwork. I'm not going to use Bayani as a spare tire. When you have a vice-president, you have to be able to rely on him. It's a partnership," Gordon stressed.

"Bayani and I can do the job very well because I think he complements me and I try to complement him as far as I can. That is why Bayani and I said, after me, he takes over. That's the whole point-continuity," he added.

Fernando, for his part, said that having the same vision and principles got him and Gordon together.

"I am convinced that he (Gordon) can lead us to where our country should be. That is why he was able to convince me to be his vice-president. I have no doubt that we can be good partners. We can both promote and work well on the principles that got us together," he said.

The tandem is famous for their track record of successfully transforming their respective turfs into model cities or areas�Gordon as mayor of Olongapo City and founding chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; and Fernando as local chief executive of Marikina City and chairman of the MMDA.