Barely a week after his appointment as head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Chairman Oscar Inocentes on Friday said he is willing to vacate and return the post to former agency chairman Bayani F. Fernando.

In his first public appearance as agency head, Inocentes said Fernando can come back as chairman should he decide to withdraw from the vice presidential race in the 2010 elections.

“Kung gusto niyang umurong sa pagka-bise president, pwede nyang makuha ulit yung pwesto niyang chairman dahil kailangan sya ng Metro Manila,” said Inocentes.

Inocentes, Fernando and Malabon City Mayor Tito Oreta led the inauguration rites of the newly constructed pedestrian footbridge along C-4 Dagat-Dagatan in Malabon City yesterday.

In his speech, Inocentes highlighted the efforts of Fernando in dramatically changing Metro Manila into a livable metropolis, backed up his strong and will-powered administrative skills and leadership qualities.

Last week, Fernando was forced to vacate his post ahead of the scheduled official turnover with the unscheduled arrival of Inocentes, presidential assistant for Judicial Affairs, as replacement.

Fernando has decided to team up with Senator Dick Gordon to form a ticket as presidential and vice presidential contenders, for 2010 elections under the Bagumbayan Party.

The footbridge, located right in front of the Malabon City Square Mall and adjacent to the Organized Bus Route Terminal, was built to promote the safety of more than 36,500 pedestrians and commuters and increase the travel time of motorists.

The completion of the project is expected to improve the traffic condition in the area as vehicles can travel more swiftly without being delayed by thousands of pedestrians crossing the busy intersection.

The structure’s total length is 143.0 meters. It will provide easy access to the bus terminal, jeep stations, and loading/unloading bays.