By Erma Edera
Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday said that President Duterte is his inspiration in running the nation's capital.
Manila Mayor-elect Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
The mayor made the statement in reaction to the President’s praise on the new mayor's leadership.
"Thank you for the kind words Mr. President but to be really honest, you are one of our inspirations on what kind of leadership we have," he said.
The Manila mayor recalled how Duterte led Davao City for decades and how laws in the city were strictly implemented.
“Kapag nasa Davao City po ako, takot na takot po akong manigarilyo dahil alam ko pong huhulihin ako (When I’m in Davao, I'm really scared to smoke because I know I will be apprehended)," Moreno said.
Domagoso said the performance of the current city government is a “reflection” of the kind of leadership the President has, Moreno said.
"As I always say, it's not the severity of punishment itself but the certainty of getting caught that deters a person from committing a crime," Domagoso said.
"So we owe it to you Mr. President, for inspiring us and for becoming a good example to all of us," he added.
On Tuesday, Duterte expressed his admiration for the effort of Domagoso to clean up his city, strictly implement ordinances, and introduce new programs.
He also said that the young public servant is better than him. “I’m impressed with him; he’s more competent than me, that’s the truth,” Duterte said during a press conference in Malacanang Tuesday night.