Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s time as Manila mayor is up.
This was the bold declaration of his former ally and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in a radio interview on Tuesday as he criticized the seemingly slow progress of the nation’s capital city through six years of Estrada’s leadership.
“I think it’s already enough. We have given you opportunity to lead the city,” Domagoso noted during an interview with Ricky Brozas over Radyo Inquirer’s “Banner Story.”
According to Domagoso, Estrada’s term in office should have been enough to accomplish the changes needed by the city of Manila.
“Siguro yung anim na taon ay sapat na na panahon na makapagbago sa isang siyudad. O kahit man lang konting pagbabago pero hindi naman pwedeng habang panahon tayo magpaparaya at kung lalo na’t nakikita natin na walang kinahihinatnan o pinatutunguhan,” he added.
Domagoso particularly cited that Manila has been surpassed by neighboring cities like Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Taguig City, Pasig City, Pasay City and Parañaque City in terms of development.
He said the notable progress in those cities can be attributed to its young mayors and other local leaders.
“Yung aming mga naging lider at kumpara sa Metro Manila nung mga nabanggit kong siyudad ay puro bata na po ang mayor at ang naging epekto nga nun mas naging aktibo ‘yung progreso ng itong mga siyudad na nabanggit,” Domagoso pointed out.
“Hindi masyadong nararamdaman kung tayo ba ay may gobyerno or meron bang namamahala,” added the former social welfare undersecretary.
Moreno said one of the reasons for his decision to run in next year’s elections and challenge Estrada as well as former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who served the city for 12 years, was to give the people more choices on who they think should lead them.
“Panahon naman na maiba naman,” Domagoso said. /kga