‘Move on, pahinga na:’ Moreno to quit politics if not elected president

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Friday said he will quit politics should he fail to get elected to the country’s top post in next year’s polls.

“Tapos na ang buhay, move on. Para ka lang syota ‘yan, nagkahiwalay kayo, move forward. Pahinga na rin,” Moreno told reporters in Meycauayan, Bulacan when asked what his next step would be if he unsuccessful in his presidential bid.

(It’s over, move on. It’s like a couple breaking up, moving forward. It’s time to rest.)

He added he will no longer pursue a local position in Manila.

“Tapos na ko. I did my share. That’s why I offered myself to the people hangga’t malakas pa ‘ko. Kasi nangyayari baka mamaya may pandemya nakapagpahalal tayo ng medyo may edad na naman. Mahihirapan,” Moreno said.

(I’m done, I did my share. That’s why I offered myself to the people while I’m still strong. Because what may happen is we vote for someone who is a bit older. It will be a challenge.)

“Di natin minamaliit yung edad. Pero sa hirap ng buhay ng mga kababayan sa pandemyang ito and post pandemic, kailangang mabilis kumilos. So you know, there are things that needs to be considered,” he added.

(Not that we are underestimating those who are older. But with the way life is hard right now amid the pandemic and post pandemic, we need someone who is swift in action. So you know, there are things that need to be considered.)

If he wins the presidency, Moreno said he will also retire from public service after his term ends.

READ: Manila Mayor Isko Moreno files COC for president

“I’ve been working in the government half of my life, I’ve been involved in public service. Halimbawa, pinalad ako, at the age of 52 tapos na yung term ng presidente, pahinga na. Magbabayad na ko ng kakulangan sa pamilya ko, sa mga anak ko,” Moreno, who is 47 years old, said.

(I’ve been working in the government for half of my life, I’ve been involved in public service. If I’m lucky, at the age of 52 my term as president ends, I will rest. I will make it up to my family, my children.)

“At least 52 medyo kas-mala (malakas) pa. Pwede pang pasyal pasyal. Ma-invest ko naman yung remaining days of my life after the presidency if, may awa ang Diyos at sa tulong ng tao, magtagumpay tayo sa laban na ‘to,” he added.

(At least at 52, I’m still a bit strong. We can still go out together. I can invest the remaining days of my life after the presidency if, by God’s grace and the help of the people, we will succeed in this fight.)

RELATED STORY:

Isko Moreno ‘hopeful’ of getting Duterte’s backing as Bong Go withdraws

JPV