Manila Mayor Francisko "Isko Moreno" on Wednesday, Oct. 13, said he did not run for the highest position in the country to go against one person.
"I did not run to go against one person. Hindi ako nagpa-udyok, hindi ako nagpa-annoint. I decided to participate to offer what we have done in Manila that are duplicable and scalable in terms of how we approach COVID-19 pandemic in our lives," Domagoso said in an interview at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum.
This, after Aksyon Demokratiko Regional Chairperson Edgar Erice suggested on Tuesday a possible unification between Domagaso and Vice President Leni Robredo in order to win the fight against Bongbong Marcos.
"I did not run because galit ako sayo, galit ako kung kanino man, o galit ako kung kaninong pulitiko o pamilya ng politiko (not because I hate you, I hate anyone, or I hate any politician or politician’s family) I decided to run to offer my services in my own little way, my own experience, and managing things, and how to work with everyone," he said.
"Nakita ko kasi nagiging paulit ulit ang issue ng away ng politika, ng mga pamilya, tuwing halalan (I have seen the issue of political quarrels, of families, become recurring every election)," Domagoso added.
The Manila mayor added Filipinos are repeatedly being dragged by the family feuds in the May elections.
"We don't forget what happened in the past, we will always remember their mistakes and successes," he said.
"With their success, we will duplicate and innovate, with their failure, pananagutin natin sila sa mata ng batas, hindi sa kapritso at kapangyarihan lamang ng pangulo (We will hold them accountable in the eyes of the law, not just the whim and power of the president)," he added.
Domagoso added Filipinos deserve "to live in our present and work together for our better future".
"We have to move forward, because the real enemy is COVID-19," he said.
Domagoso officially announced his bid for presidency in the upcoming elections last Sept. 22.
He filed his certificate of candidacy on Monday, Oct. 6.