Isko Moreno reaches out to other presidential bets for unity

MANILA, Philippines — While he has already announced his bid for the presidency in the 2022 elections, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is not shutting his doors to other presidential hopefuls like Vice President Leni Robredo.

During his announcement on Wednesday, Moreno was asked if discussions for a united opposition slate with Robredo are now off with the formalization of his 2022 presidential bid.

Moreno said that he will try to convince other parties to join him as a single united force in the upcoming polls.

“Eh uulitin ko, hindi ako titigil — tutal laway lang naman ang puhunan ko, na kumbinsihin ang mga tao na magbati-bati na tayo, kumbinsihin na magkasama-sama tayo.  We’ll try,” he explained.

(I am repeating it: I will not stop convincing people to reconcile.)

“I have to confirm your question.  I did try to some, and I will continue to try, kasi buhay naman ng Pilipino ang concern natin.  I think the intentions of others is also good, kaya lang siyempre, maigi na rin na sana iisang bangka nga kami, ‘yon ang iniisip nating maganda, ‘yon ang hino-hope namin na may makasama kami ni Doc Willie (Ong),” he added.

(I have to confirm your question.  I did try to some (extent), and I will continue to try, the lives of Filipinos are my concern.  I think the intentions of others are also good, but of course, it would be better if we are in one boat together, that’s what we are thinking, that’s what we’re thinking, that’s what I and Doc Willie hope, that we could find people to join us.)

Moreno also said that there is no turning back on his decision to run for president.

“Ayaw kong gawing tsubibo ang buhay ng tao, pinaiikot-ikot lang.  That’s why when we decide, we decide then we move forward, move as fast as we can.  For example ako bilang alkalde, tapos bilang kandidato kami, bibilisan namin ang kilos na mangalap nang mangalap ng bawat Pilipino o sa part namin, gano’n din ‘yong lingkod bayan na sana mapaliwanagan pa,” the Manila mayor said.

(I don’t want to make a fool of people, I don’t want to take them for a ride.  That’s why when we decide, we decide then we move forward, move as fast as we can. For example, with me both as city mayor, and as a candidate, we are moving fast to encourage more Filipinos to support us, or on our part, we find civil servants who may be enlightened more.)

“I will not give up, I’ll try, I’ll try to do my best.  But I cannot promise you because maybe they have also other, maybe thoughts or decisions made already […] Tuloy na to, ayaw kong maging sawing boyfriend, paasa, wala na tuloy-tuloy na ‘to,” he added.

(I will not give up, I’ll try, I’ll try to do my best.  But I cannot promise you because maybe they have also other, maybe thoughts or decisions made already.  I will not stop this, I don’t want to be like someone who gives her suitor false hopes. My candidacy will not stop.)

Manila officials and Moreno’s campaign staff confirmed on Tuesday that the Manila mayor is running for president, with social media personality Ong as his running mate.

READ: BREAKING: Isko Moreno to run for president in 2022; formal announcement Sept 22

Moreno’s decision ended months of speculation on his presidential bid.

A Pulse Asia survey released on July 13 showed Moreno getting 14 percent of the votes if the elections were held on that day. He ranked second behind Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: Duterte-Duterte tandem leads in Pulse Asia survey

/MUF