Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando vacated his post Thursday ahead of the scheduled official turnover set next week following the unscheduled arrival of Malacañang’s appointed official as his replacement, leaving employees and officials of the agency surprised.

Former Judge Oscar Inocentes, presidential assistant for Judicial Affairs with the rank of Undersecretary under the Office of the President, arrived at the MMDA head office in Makati City on Wednesday afternoon and told Fernando that he was ordered by the Palace to take over the post.

Mindful of civility and courtesy, the new appointed chairman apologized to Fernando, saying he was merely ordered by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, sources said.

During an earlier interview, Fernando said a turnover ceremony was scheduled at the office next week, either Dec. 1 or 2, after his scheduled filing of his certificate of candidacy (CoC) before the Commission on Elections on Nov. 30. Fernando is running as an independent candidate for President in the May 2010 elections.

Government officials who file their CoCs are automatically considered as resigned from their posts.

A ceremonial turnover was set between Fernando and Inocentes, but the whole plan was suddenly changed after the Palace ordered the early takeover of the MMDA by the former judge.

Fernando maintained that he will pursue his presidential plans and has been negotiating with different personalities and groups for his running mate in the coming elections.

Last week, Fernando traveled to Subic to discuss his political plans with Sen. Richard Gordon.

Sources said that meeting apparently prompted Malacañang to direct Inocentes to make an early takeover of the MMDA chairmanship.

Fernando said he is taking the latest development in stride as he could do nothing but to abide by the decision of Malacanang.

Fernando earlier announced his decision to bolt the Lakas-Kampi-CMD ruling party where he had been a member since 1992.