Isko Moreno dismisses Estrada criticism on vendors’ eviction, wishes him well

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Thursday wished former Mayor Joseph Estrada well after the latter criticized his campaign against illegal vendors.

Estrada earlier said in a radio interview that the reason why he did not evict illegal vendors during his term since they will lose their source of livelihood.

Reacting directly for the first time, Moreno said that he wishes Estrada well and good health as he laughed off the criticism.

“Mayroong isang mama doon, and I wish him well, good health, [and] enjoy his retirement while spending time with his families,” Moreno said during his speech at the Rotary Club of Manila event in Makati that drew laughter and applause from the audience.

“‘Oh wala yan, di totoo yan, walang tanggapan diyan. Ako para sa mahirap, para makapaghanap buhay ang mahirap kaya pinayagan ko’,” he continued as he mimicked the words of the former mayor.

“That is not true. Read my lips. Why? My answer to that is very simple, the answer is in a form of question: What is and what are the compelling reasons from the immediate past administration not to do their job?” he said.

“These are basic functions. Making roads available to the general public. Yan ang sagutin niyo sa inyong mga isipan,” he added.

Moreno earlier revealed in a press briefing that he was offered a P5 million daily bribe to stop his campaign against illegal vendors occupying main roads and areas of the nation’s capital.

READ: Moreno: I was offered P5M daily to stop drive vs vendors
He, however, said that his campaign would continue and should illegal vendors return to Divisoria and other areas cleared of the perennial obstructions and are now pedestrian-friendly, it would indicate that he has accepted the hefty bribe recently offered to him.

READ: Filthy, chaotic Divisoria would mean I’ve been bribed, says Isko Moreno