Shading gov’t? Isko Moreno says focus must be on pandemic not his ‘bikini’ pics

FILE PHOTO: Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso delivers his second State of the City Address in Manila City Hall, Manila on July 2, 2020. RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of focusing on the COVID-19 situation in the country, some people just seem to be “busy” with other things like looking at old photos of a mayor.

So were the assertions of Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who emphasized Monday that his life “is an open book” having risen to fame via showbusiness.

“’Yung mga bagay na nagawa ko sa showbiz ay mga bagay na parte ng buhay ko at hindi kinubli,” Moreno told reporters following a groundbreaking event for the contruction of a housing project.

(The things I did in showbiz are things that are part of my life and were never concealed.)

“Imbis na busy sila sa COVID-19, natingnan nila ‘yung picture ko sa gabi kaysa ‘yung picture ng mga namamatay, picture ng nagkakasakit,” he added.

(Instead of making themselves busy with COVID-19 issues, they looked at my picture at night rather than the picture of those dying, or a picture of those who are sick.)

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Although Moreno issued these statements without dropping any names, it should be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte last month taunted an unnamed mayor who allegedly has “bikini” photos online.

Duterte also teased the public, saying: “Yan ang gusto ninyo? Ang training parang call boy. Naghuhubad, nagpipicture nakabikini tapos ‘yung garter tinatanggal niya?”

“‘Yan ang training ng presidente, maghubad at magpapicture, at magsilip, magyabang sa kanilang ari,” he added.

Rumor has it, however, that Moreno, who was a former actor that played a range of characters including sexy roles, may be eyeing to run for president in 2022.

“Wala akong tinago sa inyo. Ang hindi n’yo na lang nakikita ‘yung harapan ko. Ang buhay ko is an open book. Maraming salamat kay Kuya Germs… binigyan niya ako ng chance na iahon ko ang aking sarili sa pag-aartista,” Moreno said Monday.

(I did not hide anything from you. What you just can’t see now is what’s on my front. My life is an open book. Thank you very much to Kuya Germs… he gave me the chance to bring myself up through showbusiness.)

“Ito ang naging hagdanan ko upang maitaguyod ko ang pamilya ko at bilang artista, marami akong dapat gampanan na karakter o dapat tupdin na responsibilidad. Masaya ako at nakaahon ako sa kinalalagyan ko,” he added.

(This became my stepping stone to provide for my family and as an actor, I need to play a character or fulfill a responsibility. I am happy that I was able to reach where I am now.)

KGA