Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed that he will uphold the rule of law in dealing with the mischiefs of previous leaders if he is elected as the country's next president.
“Ang mga magnanakaw, papanagutin. Ang mga pumatay, papanagutin. Ang mga gumawa ng pera sa panahon ng pandemya, papanagutin. Pero ayaw kong maging katulad nila na kaya lang papangutin kasi kalaban sa pulitika (Thieves will be held accountable. Those who killed will be held accountable. Those who made money during the pandemic will be held accountable. But I don't want to be like those who will only hold them accountable because they are political opponents),” Domagoso said in an interview with TV5 on Monday, Oct. 18.
The Manila mayor added he would never allow political vindictiveness to be the reason in dispensing justice.
He said he would not tolerate extra-judicial killings (EJKs), not only in the fight against illegal drugs but also in the fight against criminality.
“Eh hindi mo ako maririnig kasi wala akong pinatay eh. About 97 percent ng hinuli ko sa drugs nakakulong na at nasa husgado ang kaso (You can't hear me because I didn't kill anyone. About 97 percent of those arrested for drugs are already incarcerated and the case is in court)," Domagoso said.
"I strongly adhere to the rule of law. I don't want to play God. I'm not going to tell everyone who's going to live or not. I'm not that person. I don't need that kind of justice,” he added.
Domagoso officially announced his bid for presidency in the 2022 national elections last Sept. 22.
He filed his certificate of candidacy on Monday, Oct. 6.
“I will be a healing president. I will welcome criticisms. I do not run on promises. I run on prototypes,” the Manila mayor said during the launch of his presidential bid.
“While I believe in the power of example, I also recognize the need for constant innovation. I may not give you a perfect government, but together, we can make it better,” he added.