IN a surprising turn of events, Lawyer Joseph Donato ‘Cid’ Bernedo, brother-in-law of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., made it clear Wednesday that he has no intentions of running for any political post in Cagayan de Oro.
Despite asserting, “I’m not running, but I could not decline,” Bernedo revealed his dedication to his recently appointed role as the Phividec administrator.
The revelation took place during the Phividec Industrial Authority’s celebration of its 50th anniversary on January 23, marking the first occasion for Bernedo to introduce himself to the local media.
Addressing speculations of a potential tandem with Oscar Moreno for the 2025 midterm elections, Bernedo acknowledged hearing about it and expressed gratitude to Moreno.
However, he emphasized his commitment to the responsibilities of his current position.
“While it’s very flattering, I’d like to make it clear. When I applied for the position and spoke to people in Manila, I made a promise to them that I would fulfill my duties and take an oath to improve and run Phividec properly,” Bernedo said.
Insisting on maintaining focus and not succumbing to distractions, Bernedo clarified his priorities.
When questioned about the possibility of declining Moreno’s offer, he replied with a smile, “Who am I to decline former Mayor Oscar Moreno? I’m not in the position to do so.”
Highlighting their longstanding professional relationship, Bernedo acknowledged that he and Moreno had worked together as lawyers in the past, with Moreno serving as his mentor.
Despite the camaraderie, Bernedo affirmed that his primary focus remains on enhancing the government-run industrial estate, Phividec.
In response, Moreno offered a cryptic one-word statement to this publication: “Abangan,” signaling an element of suspense.
The former mayor attributed his enigmatic response to a busy schedule hosting visitors from Manila yesterday afternoon.
In a recent engagement with local media, Moreno criticized Mayor Rolando Uy’s governance style, citing the adage, “Evil succeeds when good men do nothing.”
“If Klarex manages, even if I’m alone, I will run. Why not? I thought he was the Klarex that I knew for 12 years, but when he won, the real Klarex emerged,” Moreno expressed, noting a perceived change in Mayor Uy’s demeanor.
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