Filthy, chaotic Divisoria would mean I’ve been bribed, says Isko Moreno

MANILA, Philippines – Should illegal vendors return to Divisoria and other areas cleared of the perennial obstructions and are now more motorists and pedestrian-friendly, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said such would indicate that he has accepted the hefty bribe recently offered to him.

“Kapag dumumi yun, ganito lang iisipin mo. Kapag ang Divisoria napuno uli, kayo na mag isip na nalagyan ako (If Divisoria gets messed up anew, then it is logical to conclude that I have been bribed),” Moreno told reporters.

PHOTO by FAYE ORELLANA / INQUIRER.net

“Kapag ang Divisoria, Recto, Juan Luna, napuno uli ng vendor, isipin niyo na nilagyan ako. Quiapo, lahat ng pinaluwag namin, kasi ang tawag doon pagpapakilala lang (If the illegal vendors return to Divisoria, Recto, Quiapo, all areas that have been cleared, then you may conclude that I have been bribed and that I only spearheaded the clearing operations as a publicity stunt),” he added.

Moreno stressed that clearing operations in the said areas will continue.

Moreno earlier revealed that he was offered a P5 million daily bribe or P1.8 billion a year abandon his campaign against illegal vendors.

READ: Moreno: I was offered P5M daily to stop drive vs vendors

“Anim na taon niyo na pong napakinabangan ang kalye ng lungsod ng Maynila. Sana naman, mapakinabangan na ng mamamayan ng lungsod ng Maynila ang kalsada (You occupied the streets for six years.  It is now time for the people of the city of Manila to benefit from and use the streets),” Moreno appealed to vendors.

After the destruction of 75 video karera machines at Manila City Hall Wednesday morning, Moreno and his team inspected the Divisoria area, a known haven of illegal vendors. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)