MANILA, Philippines — A more inclusive Manila that respects both macho men and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
In a statement celebrating June as Pride Month, Manila Mayor-elect Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said that “equal treatment for everyone is part of my vision for the city.”
“For this reason, you can be assured that everyone would be treated equally and with respect,” he added.
He called on the LGBT community to be proud of who they were, saying “you were born this way.”
Love, respect
His statements echoed his sentiments on the night he was proclaimed the winner in the mayoral race: Manila will be more colorful.
“The city has seen too much machismo. Under my stint, it will be different,” Moreno told reporters on May 15, apparently referring to incumbent Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada who is known for being a ladies’ man.