Isko Moreno running in response to calls to save Manila from decay
Former Manila Mayor Franciso “Isko Moreno” Domagosa has cast his bid to return to his old seat in the national capital. —Photo from his office
MANILA, Philippines — Calls to save the nation’s capital from deterioration, disorder, and crime have pushed former Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to run again for the city’s chief executive post.
In his bid to make Manila great again, Domagoso vowed to restore cleanliness and security in response to calls of Manileños over rising crime rates and deteriorating public services.
“We are saddened that Manila is becoming filthy again. Our crime rate, we can’t deny — there are so many holdups,” the former mayor said in Filipino over AM radio DZRH, pointing to incidents along R-10 and Taft Avenue, which have been frequently reported in the news.
After achieving significant improvements and successes during his term as mayor, Domagoso lamented that the city appears to have slipped back into disorder.
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“These are the complaints of our people — filthiness and the absence of security,” he added.
The former mayor also raised concerns over public safety, saying that many parents now fear for their children’s safety when traveling at night.
“Mothers and fathers are worried again whenever their children come home at night if they would be make it safely,” he said, stressing that basic peace and order should never be compromised.
Domagoso also stressed that ensuring public safety and cleanliness are basic responsibilities of the local government, and it should not be difficult to maintain with the right leadership.
“This is basic. This is not hard, this is not easy, but the government can do this,” he stressed.
Under his leadership, Domagoso implemented round-the-clock city patrols and regular clearing operations to remove illegal structures and criminal elements.
These measures were effective in reducing crime and restoring order, and he intends to reintroduce these initiatives if elected again, he said.
“We will clean up Manila again. We will again give it security so that when they [residents] are asleep there’s government presence in the streets up to dawn,” he said.
“God is merciful. With the help of the residents, we will bring back cleanliness and orderliness in the City of Manila,” he added.
