"Kamusta ang Pilipinas after 39 years? Kamusta po kayo? (How is the Philippines after 39 years? How are you)?”
With those questions, presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso presented himself as an alternative candidate during his proclamation rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila on Feb. 8.
Domagoso pointed out that the Marcoses and the Aquinos have been in power for 39 years, and that Filipinos have already waited long enough for someone new.
“Sabihin na nila na nagmamadali tayo. Dapat lang. 39 years na kami naghintay eh (Let them say we are in a hurry. We have been waiting for 39 years),” he told a crowd of about 1,200 at the by-invitation-only event to comply with health protocols.
Domagoso said this was one of the reasons he decided to run for president.
“If you keep doing the same thing after 39 years, then don’t expect different results,” he added.
“Tutal naman nagbakasakali na kayo sa kanila ng 39 years, ano ba naman na magbakasakali kayo sa akin ng six years? (Since you have already waited 39 years for them, why don’t you also take a chance on me),” he said.
He noted that, while he believed that all the candidates running for the same position have good intentions for the country, Domagoso said he was different as he has always and will always stay true to his words, while being a leader who listens.
Domagoso also praised other presidential candidates Leody de Guzman, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo, except for former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, for their competence.
"Mas magaling sila sa akin (they are better than me), pero I get things done. I listen to specialists, to qualified people with good intentions. We always come up with a solution and we always find ways of doing it," he said.
“Itaya nyo na ko. Gusto kong tapatin kayo, mabigat ang labang 'to. Gawin nating posible ang imposible ( Bet on me. I want to be honest with you, this is a tough fight. Let's make the impossible possible).”
The Manila mayor also mentioned anew his plans to pursue the creation of more jobs and livelihood, housing, and healthcare facilities in the country.
Domagoso has been repeatedly saying he joined the presidential race to offer what they have done in Manila that are duplicable and scalable.
Joining Domagoso at the proclamation rally were vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong and Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial bets Joseph Peter "Jopet" Sison, Samira Gutoc, and Carl Balita
Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, Quezon City Councilor Irene Belmonte, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce, and Caloocan Rep. Egay Erice also graced the event to express their support for the presidential bid of Domagoso.