The Makabayan bloc on Wednesday, August 11 assailed President Rodrigo Duterte for launching “personal attacks” against Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso over his past experiences during his early years as a movie actor.
In a statement, the six-man Makabayan bloc said Duterte did not criticize Moreno for wrongdoing or failures as chief executive of a local government unit.
They said Duterte’s motive was political, stressing that he publicly ridiculed the city mayor because “he is perceived by the president as a threat to his plan of having a Duterte Dynasty by 2022.”
Moreno is believed to be eyeing the presidency after resigning a few days ago from the Nationalist Unity Party that has declared a coalition alliance with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago.
The Davao City mayor is reportedly likewise preparing for a presidential run although she has not made any official declaration about her plans in 2022.
Various political poll surveys indicate Moreno as the strongest contender of Mayor Duterte and President Duterte should they pursue the presidency and vice presidency, respectively, in next years national elections.
In a recent public announcement, President Duterte insulted a local chief executive after a Facebook post showed him wearing a bikini. He did not identify the politician whom he described as a “call boy.”
Duterte also chided the unnamed politician for allegedly leading a “disorganized” distribution of aid to his constituents affected by the pandemic.
"DILG Secretary Eduardo Año should probably remind his boss that on June 30, 2021 the department awarded the City of Manila a certificate of recognition for 'efficient and timely' distribution of financial aid," the Makabayan congressmen said.
“If there is a “mayor” who is disorganized in its aid distribution and pandemic response that is no one else but “Mayor Duterte” himself,” the Makabayan statement said.
“Isn’t it because of his leadership that the government failed to release more than Php10-billion cash aid under Bayanihan 1 and 2? Isn’t it because of his ineptitude that our country has the world’s longest militarized lockdown? Isn’t because of their inefficiency that the vaccination rollout remains sluggish?” the group stated.
The progressive group of lawmakers said it is Duterte’s administration that is considered “palpak” or a failure in addressing the COVID-19 crisis.
The Makabayan said: “The Duterte presidency is indeed a gold-medalist in the Olympics of failed leadership during the pandemic.” The Makabayan Bloc is composed of Bayan Muna Party-List Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, and Ferdinand Gaite, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Party-List Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.