Manila Mayor Isko Moreno (FILE PHOTO)
TARLAC CITY, Tarlac, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso journeyed into the heart of Aquino country here on Monday, seeking to convert “yellow forces” supportive of Vice President Leni Robredo with promises of a different kind of politics and governance.
Unlike the lukewarm reception in his recent trips to some northern provinces, the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer received a rousing welcome from Tarlac residents, many of whom lined the streets to cheer and wave at him.
Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, who has not endorsed any presidential candidate, ushered Domagoso into the capitol building, mobbed by a large crowd seeking handshakes and selfies.
“I believe people have freedom of choice. I’m happy to be here again. I’m grateful for the very warm welcome by the Tarlaqueños,” Domagoso told reporters.
Tarlac has 898,634 registered voters for the May elections.
In 2016, the province gave narrow wins to Liberal Party candidates, former Sen. Mar Roxas, and Robredo, who defeated her closest rival for the vice presidency, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by nearly 30,000 votes. Robredo got 243,756 votes to Marcos’ 214,166.
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