Things Mayor Isko would consider in aspiring for higher office
What could push Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso to run for higher office?
In an interview over ANC Monday (January 4), Mayor Isko said the considerations are: right number of supporters, a vision, a valid reason, his family's readiness, and signs from God.
The progressive Manila mayor was reacting to a recent Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey showing him among the top picks for president, vice president, and senator in the coming 2022 elections.
Mayor Isko who ran and lost his bid for the Senate in 2016 said he has to make sure that he has enough supporters to make him electable.
"You must have a vision. You must be sure you really have to offer something different from the others," he continued.
"What are your reasons? Mamanahin lang ba 'yan o dahil lang ba gusto ko lang lumaki career ko (Will that just be passed down to other generations or is it because I just want career growth)? You must have a valid reason in the eyes and ears of our people," he added.
The Manila mayor also said he would consider if his family is ready for him to take on a higher post that would entail more responsibilities.
"On top of all these things, sometimes you have to talk to God, you really have to ask for signs," he said.
Mayor Isko said it is every politician's dream to occupy higher offices. But he said focusing on political ambitions now instead of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is "quite unfair to the people."
"Maraming salamat po sa mga bumoto sa survey (Thank you very much for those who voted for me in the survey). It's an honor. Thank you very much. Privilege and honor na mapili niyo ako (for choosing me). Kung ano mang posisyon 'yan, maraming salamat sainyo (whatever position that is, thank you very much) for your appreciation.
"But let me focus on the vaccination process, let me focus on how we are going to keep you safe, let me focus on how we can give you peace of mind while you are in Manila or while you are working in Manila," he said.
"Ayoko iparamdam sa mga tao na mas atat 'yung mga taong politiko, tulad ko, sa political growth, career growth. Mas interesado silang lumaki ang kanilang pwesto kaysa mag-focus sa pandemya na kinakaharap ng mga tao (I do not want the people to feel that we politicians are after our political growth, career growth, that we are more interested in expanding our careers instead of focusing on the current pandemic)," he added. "Hangga't hindi nairaraos ang problemang ito (As long as there is this pandemic), I think we can suppress or delay our career goals in life."