Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso (File photo from the Manila Public Information Office)
MANILA, Philippines — An alternative to two “feuding parties” that have ruled for decades was how Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, a presidential candidate, presented himself on Tuesday at his proclamation rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila.
Domagoso was referring to the camps of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator, and Vice President Leni Robredo, chair of the Liberal Party — the party of the late president Benigno S. Aquino III, son of Corazon Aquino, the country’s first female president.
However, Robredo is officially running as an independent candidate, using pink instead of yellow as her new campaign color.
Domagoso pointed out that the late President Ferdinand Marcos ruled for 21 years, while claiming that Liberal Party officials ruled for 18 years, for a total of 39 years.
“Maybe there were good things they gave us. Maybe there were also things that made us sad, things that hurt our feelings. Whether good or bad, you be the judge — the Marcoses ruled for 21 years, ” Domagoso said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.
“Let’s move on to the other side,” he continued. “These are clashing families [referring to the Marcoses and the Aquinos]. The group they [the Aquinos] led also had good intentions. But I summed it up, my countrymen. The time of the red [the Marcoses] lasted for 21 years. The time of the yellows and now the pinks — we’re just being straightforward — 18 years.”
‘Enough is enough’
Domagoso said the country would need new governance.
“So how’s the Philippines after 39 years? I ask because that’s one reason why I joined the elections. We have experienced the 39 years. We have given them a chance. That’s enough,” Domagoso said.
Domagoso also addressed detractors who said that his presidential bid was premature.
“So they said I’m rushing. We have been waiting for 39 years. You took our chance for 39 years. So why not try your luck [with me] for six years,” he said.
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