Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso yesterday called for a “united city” and “healing” after partial, unofficial count placed him well ahead of incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada in the Manila mayoral race.
“Ako ay nanawagan sa mga ordinaryong pamilya, magkakaibigan, magkakaanak na nagkahiwa-hiwalay because of this election na magbati-bati na po kayo. I wanted a new city of united people. Walang magmamalasakit sa ating mga batang Maynila kundi ang kapwa batang Maynila,” Domagoso said.
“It is also a high time for the Manilenos to participate in the new government,” he added.
As of 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Domagoso has built a commanding lead over Estrada with 350, 190 votes. Estrada, seeking a third and last term, has 205, 533 votes while former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has 135, 375 votes.
Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Domagoso’s running mate, secured her second term with 366,342 votes followed by Estrada’s tandem, former Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing with 251,083 votes.
Moreno and Lacuna ran under the banner of “Asenso Manileno party.”
Domagoso said they focused their campaign on his plans on reviving ‘deteriorating’ Manila.
“We just had to be honest and send the message our hopes, dreams and aspirations for the city of Manila,” he said.
“Masayang masaya kami dahil naunawaan at lumiwanag sa isipan ng mga tao ang tunay na sitwasyon ng Manila,” he added.
Domagoso wished Estrada “to have a longer life to be with his family.”
“I think he did his part already. And I think kailangan na siya ng pamilya niya ngayon. I hope he can find happiness with his family tutal hindi naman niya masisisi sarili niya dahil nakapaglingkod na siya sa mahabang panahon. He did enough for the country,” said Domagoso who served as Estrada’s vice mayor.
“I hope the other side of the river is ready for the transition of role. We wish that they will cooperate,” he added.
Domagoso said he wants the proposed social amelioration or poverty alleviation program and the 10-year infrastructure program to be felt by Manilenos in the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, Domagoso also thanked his supporters for their sacrifices during the campaign period.
“Hindi namin matatawaran at mababayaran ang pagtitiwala niyo. Ang tanging sukli na lang namin ni Honey ay pag-iibayuhin naming na magkaroon at maiba naman ang lungsod ng Maynila,” he said. (Erma Edera)
