Moreno: No mudslinging vs rivals in Manila mayoral race

MANILA, Philippines — Manila mayoral bet Isko Moreno on Friday said he and his local ticket would not participate in mudslinging and propaganda in the campaign period.

Moreno made the statement as the campaign period for local candidates in the May 13 midterm elections officially started on Friday.

“Sa halip na i-base ang kampanya sa paghahagis ng putik o yung mga black propaganda, hahayan na lang namin sila,” Moreno told reporters in an interview, when sought for comment on rumors about his alleged gambling habits.

“Iiwasan namin at hindi kami papatol sa mga away-away,” he added.

He said his campaign would instead focus on conveying his vision and plans for the city should he win in the upcoming polls.

“Ang importante ay marinig ng tao kung ano ba ang pangarap natin para sa kanila. Bagay na dapag patuunan din ng pansin ng dalawa o ninuman na tumatakbong alkalde o bise alkalde ng lungsod,” Moreno said.

The actor-turned-politician, who also served as Manila vice mayor and Social Welfare undersecretary, is in a three-way fight for Manila’s mayoralty against incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada and former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Moreno said it is time that a new face should take charge of the country’s capital.

“Panahon naman na sila ay magpahinga at huminto na,” Moreno said.

“Kami na tunay na mga batang Manila, hindi rin naman nagkulang sa kanilang dalawa sa pagbinigay ng pagkakataon na makapaglingkod… So gusto namin, iba naman,” he added.

Should he get elected, Moreno said he will “bring Makati to Manila” in terms of the delivery of social services to residents.

“We will bring Makati to Manila with regards to social services,” Moreno said.

“So, all the social services na nagbebenepisyo ang mamamayan ng lungsod ng Makati ay ating kokopyahin at dadallhin dito sa lungsod ng Maynila,” he added.

Moreno also said that his policies will focus on the pension of senior citizens, student allowances, and on the city’s garbage problem. /muf