Manila mayoral candidate Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso vowed to vigorously clean up the capital city of trash and crimes and restore its old glory as he kicked off his campaign with a city-wide motorcade on R-10 Road in Manila on Friday, March 28.
"Sa townhall namin, one thing is common: Ang worry nila ngayon eh naging dugyot ulit ang Maynila. Biruin mo, alas-nueve na ng umaga pero ang basura nasa kalsada pa. Talagang iyon ang complaint ng mga taga-Maynila (During our townhall meeting, one thing is common: Manileños are worried that the city had become dirty and unpleasant again. Imagine, it's already 9 a.m. and yet, the streets are still littered with garbage. That is one of the biggest complaints of those living in Manila)," Domagoso said.
"Second, bukod sa paglilinis ng Maynila, ibabalik natin ang kapanatagan ng pamumuhay sa Maynila. And that's why, as you all know, bakit tayo sa R-10 magsisimula? Itong R-10, sa mga nagdaang linggo, buwan, o taon, ay naging laman ng balita. Dito nakita na parang walang gobyerno sa Maynila kaya muling natatakot ang mga nanay at tatay na baka mapahamak ang kanilang mga anak (Second, aside from cleaning Manila, we will also bring back livelihood to the people of the city. And that's why we started our campaign motorcade here in R-10. In the previous weeks and months, R-10 has become the content of news where people saw as if there's no government here in Manila. That's the reason why mothers and fathers have become scared that their children might be put in danger once again)," he added.
The mayoral aspirant previously aired his concern over the reported rise in criminality in the city, particularly snatching and robbery incidents.
"Pangatlo, itutuloy natin yung mga naumpisahan natin. Ang pamahalaang lungsod under our watch, si Chi and I and Yorme's Choice, ay ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagbibigay ng minimum basic needs. Kung ano yung mga naumpisahan na natin gaya ng housing, education, healthcare, and kabuhayan ng ating mga batang Maynila (Third, we will continue what we have started. The city government, under our watch, will continue the distribution of minimum basic needs such as housing, education, healthcare, and livelihood for Manileños)," he noted.
Peaceful local campaign
Domagoso also urged his supporters to just remain focused and to not engage in fights and mudslinging with the supporters of other candidates as the 45-day campaign period for local bets started on Friday, March 28.
In his Facebook Live, Domagoso reminded the public to remain calm as the race for the city's top seat is expected to heat up even more.
"Ito po ay personal kong pakisuyo sa inyong lahat: Wag po kayong makikipag away. Hayaan nyo na sila. Alam kong nasasaktan ang damdamin niyo sa mga paratang, akusasyon, o mga masasakit na salita na sinasabi ng ilang mga kandidato. Bagama't ganoon, wag po kayong papatol (This is my personal plea to all of you: Please do not engage in fights with the supporters of the other candidates. I know your feelings were hurt with all the allegations, accusations, and hurtful words of the other candidates. Despite all of these, I urge everyone to please exercise restraint)," Domagoso said.
"Ayokong magkaaway away kayo. Hindi naman po ito away, ito'y kompetisyon lamang ng mga kandidato. Kaya lang minsan, may mga kandidatong nanggigigil, eh wala na tayong magagawa doon. Pagkatao naman nila iyon, pero hindi tayo kailangan maging katulad ng mga ganung pulitiko (I don't want you to be enemies with them. This is not a war. This is just a competition among us candidates. However, there are times when candidates lose their cool, and we can't do anything about that. That's just who they are and we don't need to become like them)," he added.
Domagoso also urged his supporters to pray for the safety and peace of mind of other local bets in the city, including incumbent Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Sam Versoza.
"Let's just stay focused on what matters most to our people. This is not about us as candidates. This is about the future of our kids, of ourselves, and of our city, the capital of the country. Let's just have a peaceful election. Honest, peaceful, and successful election for us," Domagoso stressed.
"At the end of the day, ang mangingibabaw ay hindi kaming mga kandidato. Ang mangingibabaw ay ang boses ng bawat botante sa lungsod ng maynila. The voice of the people is the voice of God (At the end of the day, what matters most is not us candidates. What matters most is the voice of each and every voter in the city of Manila. The voice of the people is the voice of God)," he added.
Domagoso kicked off his campaign on Friday with a city-wide motorcade and a proclamation rally in Moriones, Tondo.
Yorme's Choice banners Domagoso for mayor, Chi Atienza for vice mayor, Ernix Dionisio for congressman, Irma Alfonso, Joaquin Domagoso, Jesus Taga Fajardo, Bobby Hernane, Col. Jhun Ibay, and Ian Banzai Nieva for councilors in District 1.
The team's slate for District 2 is composed of Carlo Lopez for congressman, Robbie Bautista-Ong, Nico Evangelista, Rommel Miranda, Awi Sia, Bolong Sy, and Edward Tan for councilors.
District 3 candidates include Apple Nieto for congresswoman, Bong Alvarez, Rollin J Dela Cruz, Chris Tagle, Mocha Uson, and Tol Zarcal for councilors.
District 4 aspirants include Joel JTV Villanueva for congressman, Dok Almiron, DJ Bagatsing, Romeo Omeng Bagay, Eunice Castro, Lady Quintos, and Rino Tolentino for councilors.
Meanwhile, District 5 candidates include Amado Bagatsing for congressman, Che Borromeo, Bobby Espiritu, Jaybee Hizon, Tol Mac Ignacio, Zeb Laureano Lao, and Mon Yupangco for councilors.
The team's slate for District 6 includes Joey Uy for congressman, Caloy Voltaire Castañeda, Kid Marasigan, Doc Mercado, Joel Elmer Par , Christian Joey Uy, and Lou Veloso for councilors.