Aksyon Demokratiko candidates led by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and running mate Doc Willie Ong hold the “Blue Wave” caravan prior to the party’s proclamation rally later in the day. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — In his quest for the presidency, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso likens himself to one of the most popular Biblical characters — David, who despite his youth was able to slay with a sling shot the giant-sized and seasoned warrior Goliath.
“The oldest history is in the Bible. Ang sinabi ‘yung mga matatangkad, matatayog, mga kilala, malalakas tinalo ni David na galing sa ordinaryong pamilya. So, sa akin history repeats itself. May kasabihan rin na ganon. So, may awa ang Diyos,” Moreno said Monday during an interview after the inauguration and turnover of units of Tondominium 1 in Vitas, Tondo.
According to Moreno, just like David, he believes that after everything has been said and done, he too can beat the Goliaths of Philippine politics and become the next president of the country.
Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno with running mate Doc Willie Ong during the “Blue Wave” caravan in Manila. COntributed photo
“‘Yung mga kalaban natin mga higante pero sinabi rin sa Bibliya na si Goliath tinalo ni David. Ibig sabihin sa Diyos walang imposible and today is a testimony… etong araw na ito ay isang patunay na itong mga nalugmok, and you were here just so you know, you were all here. You saw this area, di ba nakita ninyo? Mabaho itong lugar na ito. Nawala ‘yung nanunuot, ‘yun ang eksaktong word, nanunuot na baho. Then it became a living space para sa mga kababayan natin dito. So, walang imposible,” Moreno said.
The 47-year-old presidential bet of Aksyon Demokratiko believes that for as long as one will do his or her best to achieve their goals in life and work hard for it, everything is attainable.
“Para satin, ako naniniwala ako, katulad ng mga kababayan natin, lahat tayo nagsisikap kasi naniniwala tayo posible tayong umangat. Naniniwala tayo sa buhay posible tayong umangat sa buhay. Naniniwala tayo sa pangarap kasi posibleng makamit natin ang ating pangarap. Pero para ito’y maging posible eh kailangan mo naman kumilos. So, today nangyari, natupad, naganap, tunay, at least ‘yung mga kababayan natin na nasabihan ko ng araw nung kampanya at least nasingil nila ako at ngayon ay may resibo na sila, awa ng Diyos,” Moreno said in a speech before the former Tondo squatters who now live in condominium units.
The Aksyon Demokratiko national candidates led by Moreno kicked-off their campaign today with a Holy Mass at the Sto. Nino Parish Church in Tondo followed by a “Blue Wave” caravan around the City of Manila.
About 5,000 motorcycle riders wearing blue T-shirts joined the caravan that saw Moreno and his Aksyon Demokratiko slate touring the streets of Tondo on board a medium-sized truck with a make-shift roof.
“(Today) we will surrender ourselves to God. ‘Yun ang una naming gagawin. Hihingi kami ng gabay, magmimisa kami ni Doc Willie at ng aking mga kasamang mga senador. Tapos magmo-motorcade kami hanggang mananghali tapos ala-sais a very simple proclamation rally… modest and simple proclamation,” Moreno told reporters.
Later in the afternoon, a modest and simple proclamation rally will formally start the 90-day campaign period for the 47-year-old Manila mayor’s quest for the presidency along with his running mate Dr. Willie Ong and the three Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial candidates Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison.
The Aksyon party’s proclamation rally will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan beside the Manila City Hall. Attendance of guests as well as media men covering the event will be strictly limited in observance of health protocols. Guests will also be issued tickets to ensure social distancing.
“Yung aming proclamation rally would you believe by invitation lang because we really want to control ‘yung minimum health standards so we follow our own rules, sort of saying. But it will not be a perfect campaign but pumanatag kayong lahat kami pipilitin naming sumunod, ‘yun ang kompromiso ko sa taong bayan,” Moreno said on Monday.
“As much as possible kasi gusto ko pa rin unawain ‘yung katatayuan ng tao na may pandemya pa, may impeksyon pa. So, hangga’t maaari, syempre gusto ko maiparamdam sa kanila na hindi lang ‘yung sarili namin ang iniisip namin, ‘yung kampanya namin, but also ‘yung katayuan nila sa loob ng impeksyon. So, that’s going to be the event tomorrow (Feb. 8),” he said.
If elected president, Moreno said he will address the perennial problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality and social injustice in the country by focusing on providing the minimum basic needs of the people – housing, education, health care and jobs — through the efficient and prudent management of government resources.
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