BATANG MAYNILA
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno
This had been an eventful week for yours truly, as I filed my certificate of candidacy (COC) for the highest post in the land, with Doc Willie Ong as my running mate.
I thank God, first and foremost, and my beloved parents Joaquin and Chayong --natives of Antique and Samar — my teachers, classmates, fellow Tondo residents and Manilans for their contribution in making me reach the pinnacle of my local public service career when I got elected as Manila Mayor in 2019.
Special mention goes to my mentor, former Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, father of Vice Mayor Honey. He pushed me to further improve myself as a public servant by going back to studies.
I am presenting to all Filipinos my “application form” to become President of the country as a result of my determination to improve our country and the lives of its citizens. Being relatively younger, I am more than willing to spend whatever youth and energy I have in me in order to provide everyone much better lives.
I intend to put an end to divisiveness which had reared its ugly head in every other administration and caused our economy to remain stunted, especially amid the pandemic.
My only request is for the Filipinos not only to trust me with the position but also to ensure that they would also chose Ong to be his partner and not to give him another Vice President.
It is undeniable that in most instances, a President and a Vice President that do not come from the same camp usually end up bickering the rest of their terms, to the detriment of Filipinos. We have experienced this and I’m sure, just like me, you are all tired of this kind of leadership.
I opted for a doctor as my candidate for Vice President so that I can dedicate all my time and effort focusing on other problems confronting the country, specially the economic challenges, while Doc Willie takes care of the problems related to the pandemic which will still be around next year, at the very least.
I am very hopeful that the Filipinos will make another first next year, by choosing a president and a vice president who are party allies and who do not belong to opposing political camps. A harmonious relationship between the two top leaders, be it national or local government, will truly benefit the citizens.
A perfect example and solid proof of this is what happened in Manila. With myself and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna acting as one, we were able to accomplish so many in so short a time, modesty aside. So please, don’t just choose me. Choose my partner too.
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Just as we in the city of Manila were too busy with work, so are the paid trolls.
As soon as I filed my COC, the social media was flooded with posts picturing me either as an ally of the NPA (New People’s Army) or a “secret candidate” of President Duterte. I deny both. I was fortunate to have been appointed by President Duterte to participate in peace talks and as an observer I met prominent figures both from the left, led by Joma Sison and the military.
Spin masters got busy and began circulating pictures of me with Sison, cropping all posterity shots during the peace talks I attended, so that only those from the CPP-NPA-NDF were included and those from the military were cropped.
I really don’t care. I know I am a Filipino. I know I love this country and I have been serving for long. I also pledge allegiance to the flag every Monday during our flag-raising ceremony in City Hall. One flag, one country.
Those trying hard to sell the idea of me having close links to the communists must fear the consequence of their actions. I know how hard life is these days and how these trolls would earn easy bucks just by typing on their computer.
These politicians who pay them to smear their perceived “enemies” thrive in lies and will not do anything good once they get the position they want.
Equally incredulous are insinuations that I am a “secret candidate” of Duterte. Those spreading these lies must be on drugs. Funnily, the attempts to besmirch my reputation are becoming more frequent and worse each passing day.
I look at this on a positive note. Clearly, my candidacy and that of my running mate, Doc Willie, matter to my political rivals.
Rest assured, dear readers, that we will come out strong and on top of all these. With God’s blessing and your full support, we definitely will.
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Gaya ng paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, kailangan ko ang tulong ninyong lahat. Walang magmamalasakit sa Maynila kundi tayo ding mga Batang Maynila. Manila, God first!
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For updates on latest developments in the city of Manila, please visit my Facebook account--- ‘Isko Moreno Domagoso.’