Isko Moreno: ‘Supreme sacrifice’ is staying in the presidential race

PORAC, Pampanga — Presidential candidate Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday dismissed calls for him to do the “supreme sacrifice” of withdrawing from the race, saying continuing his bid for the country’s top post was in itself his self-sacrifice.

“My supreme sacrifice is here today,” Moreno told reporters at the Porac Municipal Hall. “This is the sacrifice.”

“Despite misimpression, misperception, or perception or impression, that the other side is doing and creating in your eyes, in your mind, this is the sacrifice,” the 47-year-old incumbent Manila City mayor added.

“I am going to sacrifice myself to address the problems of the people. And I’m offering my supreme sacrifice. If you want peace of mind, I am available. I get things done. I’ll do the job,” he continued.

Moreno’s statements were his reaction to calls from certain groups that encouraged him to  “sacrifice” and withdraw his candidacy for fellow contender Vice President Leni Robredo to defeat Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in the May polls.

For one,  Moreno supporter and former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim has signed a petition urging him and the other presidential candidates to “make the ultimate sacrifice of setting aside their personal ambitions … for the sole purpose of beating their common enemy — Marcos Jr.”

But the camps of Robredo and Moreno have brushed aside calls for them to form a united front against the scion of deceased dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

READ: Leni, Isko camps not keen on uniting vs Marcos

To recall, the #WithdrawIsko trended after Robredo announced her decision to run for president last October.

KGA