Manila mayor says no to 2022 presidential race

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

MANILA, Philippines— City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Sunday said he has no plans to run for president in 2022.

“Wala po (None),” Domagoso said in an interview on CNN Philippines when asked he if has plans to run for president.

While he is grateful to be included in Pulse Asia survey’s list of preferred 2022 presidential bets, Domagoso said he intends to focus on addressing the pandemic in the City of Manila.

“One, I’m grateful. Thank you very much sa inyo sa mga sumagot na ‘yon at thank you very much sa inyo dahil sinasama niyo ako, it’s an honor, thank you very much. But let us go back to reality. Reality is there’s a pandemic and we, those names who were included in that survey, should continue to focus on the pandemic,” Domagoso said.

In a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia, 12 percent of the 2,400 respondents said they would vote for the Manila mayor should he decide to run in the 2022 presidential race.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte – Carpio topped the survey. 

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte – Carpio (PHOTO FROM HNP MEDIA)

“I think the most important thing nowadays is what are we going to do today, what our plans today and what are we going to do in the next first quarter on the incoming vaccine. I think yun muna siguro ang mahalaga, (that is what’s important) more than political growth or career growth,” Domagoso said.

“I would rather focus on Manila and focus on the pandemic. If we can offer a lot of things to ease the burden, the effects of this pandemic to the lives of every family in the city of Manila, I will do so. Doon muna ang talagang nakafocus ako (that’s what I’m really focusing on) he added.

gsg