MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday formally announced his decision to join the presidential race in the 2022 elections.
Moreno’s running mate is online personality and physician Dr. Willie Ong.
“Nakilala niyo po akong tapat sa pamamahala at totoong pananalita (You’ve known me f0r my honest leadership and straight talk.) Hard work and straight talk. Whether it is about city projects or personal beliefs, I convey it with candor and I do not play coy. Will talk lang po palagi. Kaya buong kababaang loob na inihahayag ko sa inyo, mga kababayan ko, sa darating na Mayo, tanggapin nyo po ang aking aplikasyon bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas (That’s why I am humbly asking you, my countrymen, to accept my candidacy for president of the Philippines this coming May),” Moreno said in an event held in Baseco, Manila.
“Mga kapwa ko Pilipino, hindi po namin kakayanin na kaming dalawa lang ni Doc Willie ang laban na ito. Kailangan po namin kayo. Tulungan niyo po kami. Kailangan po natin ng pagkakaisa. Sama-sama natin gamutin ang bansa. Let us heal our country,” he added.
(My fellow Filipinos, Doc Willie and I cannot do this alone. We need you. Please help us. We need unity. Let us heal the country.)
Moreno’s name has long been floated as a possible contender for president given his track record as Manila mayor which has earned the praise of the public.
He has also ranked well in previous presidential surveys.
Based on a Pulse Asia survey released in July, Moreno was the second choice to become the next president of the country, trailing President Rodrido Duterte’s daughter, incumbent Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.