Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed to address the country’s need for hospitals, schools, housing, and equality among the people if elected as president.
“Eighty-nine days from now, pipili kayo. Kung sakaling ako ang pinili ninyo, ang pinili ninyo ay ospital, paaralan, pabahay, kapanatagan at pagkakapantay-pantay sa buong bansa (“Eighty-nine days from now, you will choose (your candidates). If you will choose me, you will choose hospital, school, housing, security and equality in the country),” Domagoso said during his proclamation rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Addressing criticisms that he is in a rush to run for the highest position in the country, Domagoso said: Pwede ko bang ipagpabukas na lamang ang gutom? Marami sa atin nawala ng trabaho, ipapagpabukas ko ba ulit 'yun (Can I just worry about hunger tomorrow? Many lost their jobs, should I wait for tomorrow?)," he pointed out.
“Ito ang unang araw ng paglalakbay natin. Samahan ninyo ako. Kailangan ko kayo. Kailangan ko ang tulong ninyo. Hindi ko ito mapapagtagumpayan ng wala kayo sa likod ko (This is the first day of our journey. Please join me. I need you. I need all your help. I won't succeed without all of you behind me),” the Manila mayor said.
Domagoso was joined by his running mate and vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong and Aksyon Demokratiko's senatorial bets Joseph Peter "Jopet" Sison, Samira Gutoc, and Carl Balita at the proclamation rally.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also made a speech during the campaign launch backing Domagoso’s presidential bid.
“Sa lahat ng aplikante sa pagka-pangulo, sa totoo lang, si Isko ang huli kong nakilala at pinakamalayo kong kaibigan. Kung pansariling interes lang ang aking iisipin, siya ang huli kong susuportahan (Of all the presidential applicants, honestly, Isko was the one who was not very close to me. If I will think only of my interest, he is the last that I will support),” he said in a video message.
“Subalit naniniwala ako, na sa pagpili po ng ating lider, may mas mahalagang batayan -- bayan bago barkada at ka-tropa, plataporma hindi drama, record na nagawa at hindi listahan ng pangako. Hindi doon sa liyamado pero doon sa sigurado at tunay ang serbisyo (But I believe that in choosing our leader, there is a more important basis - country before friends, platform not drama, record made and not just a list of promises. Not one who is said to be the sure winner but one who will provide sure and genuine service),” said Recto.
Former Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, Cebu 3rd District Representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, Quezon City Councilor Irene Belmonte, Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano, Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce, and Caloocan Rep. Egay Erice also attended the event to express their support for Domagoso.