“What’s wrong with that?”

This was Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso's response to criticisms against him for taking on sexy roles and doing sexy photo shoots in his early days as a celebrity.

During an interview with Toni Gonzaga for her vlog, Domagoso said portraying sexy characters was just “plain and simple work.”

“Without malice, as an actor, you know, you have to be professional. Kahit maghihilata ka sa kalsada or para kang hinuhulog sa building o ipapakain sa buwaya or susuntukin ng bida (Even if you have to lie down on the road or pretend like you're falling off a building or being fed to a crocodile or will be punched by the main character), it doesn’t matter...you have to portray a character,” Domagoso said about participating in “titillating” movies.

Domagoso said he was around 21 to 22 years old at that time and such projects paid well.

“I mean, what's wrong with that? Wala naman akong pinerwisyo na kapwa ko. Basta ako trabaho (I did not burden anyone. To me, it was just work),” he said.

Domagoso's sexy photos resurfaced on social media in early August after President Duterte threw shade at a mayor who has bikini photos on the internet.

“Iyan ang gusto nyo? Ang training parang call boy. Naghuhubad sa picture, naka-bikini, tapos ‘yung garter tinatanggal niya (Is that what you like? Someone trained like a call boy? Taking off his clothes in picture, wearing a bikini, then he’s removing the garter),” Duterte said in his Aug. 9 public address.

While the President did not name the local chief executive he was referring to, many believed it was Domagoso.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla came to the Manila mayor’s defense, saying Domagoso’s sexy photos shouldn’t even be an issue.

“What’s important is that Yorme NEVER LIED, DID NOT STEAL, KILL, nor did he ever bring shame to the great people of Manila as a public servant,” Remulla said.