MANILA, Philippines — Former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Wednesday accepted defeat and asked his supporters to rally behind the winner in the city’s mayoral race, former actor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
In a statement, the 89-year-old Lim wished Moreno and the other winners “success in their governance,” saying he [would] “pray for the success of the new city government as this [would] redound to the benefit of the citizens of Manila.”
On the other hand, Moreno, who won by a landslide against Lim and incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada, called for reconciliation, not exactly with his opponents, but among their supporters.
Isko calls for forgiveness
In his first speech as mayor-elect, Moreno said that forgiveness was a key component of successful governance as he asked them to make up with their friends, families and foes as a sign of humility.
“I want a unified city. I don’t want to lead a divided city,” he stressed.
When asked about his stand on dynasties that were toppled in Monday’s elections, Moreno said that each person would go through a “sunrise” and a “sunset.” “You should know when to stop,” he added.
When Estrada ran for mayor in Manila in 2013, the former president said the race would be his last as he promised to support Moreno for 2016.
Will the former president stage a comeback in 2022? City administrator Jojo Alcovendaz sighed and told the Inquirer over the phone: “Probably not. He probably won’t run again.”