Aborted courtesy call: Erap, Isko camps trade blame

ONCE ALLIES. In this file photo, camouflage jacket-clad Manila Mayor Erap Estrada, with then Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, personally directs traffic at Welcome Rotunda, the border landmark dividing Manila and Quezon City. NOY MORCOSO/ INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The courtesy call of newly-elected Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso, popularly known as Isko Moreno, to outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was postponed Friday, but both camps denied they requested for its cancellation.

A staff from Estrada’s office, who requested anonymity, said Moreno was not available for the meeting. The staff also said the meeting could likely be rescheduled for Monday, June 17, at 2 p.m.

But Moreno’s camp belied the information, saying the incoming Manila Mayor was available and could proceed to Manila City Hall for the meeting. Moreno won the election last May, beating Estrada by over 140,000 votes based on the tally of the City Board of Canvassers.

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“In fact, he is in Intramuros right now as of writing. He can just walk towards City Hall,” according to the advisory issued by Moreno’s camp to the media.

Moreno’s camp further said it was Estrada’s chief of staff, Alex Morales, who requested that the courtesy call be rescheduled to Monday. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)