(FILE PHOTO) Manila Mayor Isko Moreno speaking on his third state of the city address. Courtesy of Manila PIO
SANTIAGO CITY — Saying he is the right leader for the presidency, sectoral leaders in Cagayan Valley are urging Manila Mayor Isko Domagoso to run for president in a series of consultations by the Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas chapters in the region.
Lawyer Hang Liggayu-Espejo, regional convenor, said the group is hoping that Moreno seeks the presidency next year, saying he has the traits “and the most suitable for the position” that the convenors are looking for in a leader.
About 200 youth and sectoral leaders, who attended personally and virtually, led the launch of the consultations in Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya while the Cagayan launch will be held after the enhanced community quarantine ends in Tuguegarao City.
Thomas Orbos, national lead convenor who joined virtually, said Moreno was effective and efficient in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A leader must have must possess qualities like compassion towards the people, and a leader who fulfills his promises not just through words but also action, among others,” according to Orbos, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager and transportation undersecretary.
“What he did and still doing in Manila is from his heart, from his desire to help the people of Manila. I hope that he can do the same for the nation,” he added.
“It’s not about believing in him, although I believe in him, it’s more on how he made us believe in ourselves, how he made Manileños believe in themselves that they can overcome. That’s very important especially at this time when we do not know where the road will lead us,” Orbos said.
Moreno, who is serving his first term as Manila mayor, had a spat with President Duterte following reports that he may run for the presidency. He has been a consistent contender in numerous pre-election surveys on possible bets for the presidency or vice presidency in the 2022 elections.
The mayor, who declined nomination for being a possible presidential bet or a vice-presidential candidate under 1Sambayan, has confirmed he will run for an elective position that is yet to be announced.