Manileños see a brand new start with the victory of Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as their mayor in the recent midterm elections.
Rising lawyer and leader Jeremiah Belgica, 38, believes that Domagoso’s edge over other candidates is his relatively young age.
“It is a fresh start but one that faces the challenges of old systemic problems….I hope that this will not just be a mere changing of the guard but a changing of heart, mindset, and approach for us Manileños,” he said.
Jonathan Garzo, chairperson of Barangay 604, Zone 60, Bacood, Sta. Mesa, also shared the same view about the 44-year-old politician.
He said he did not think twice in throwing support to him even if he was an ally of reelectionist Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada for the past six years.
“Nasubukan na kasi yung dalawa (Estrada and former Mayor Alfredo Lim) pero walang nangyari. Nakita namin kay Isko ‘yung vibrancy, pagiging bata, progressive city sa Maynila. Ino-offer niya ang plans and programs na napakaganda, subukan natin ang bata,” Garzo said.
Meanwhile, Jolly Guarin, 40, voted for her Tondo compatriot Domagoso because she is confident that he will live up to his campaign promises such as the lowering of Real Property Tax (RPT).
“Masaya kami na siya ang mauupo ngayon kasi galing sa hirap. Kumbaga naiintindihan niya ‘yung mga nararanasan ng mga taga-Tondo na galing sa hirap….sana tuparin niya ang mga pangako niya. May iba kasi na nakakalimutan na. Pero siguro siya hindi kasi naranasan niya mas worse,” she said.
Even if the welfare of pedicab drivers were not part of Domagoso’s platform, Jerry Dizon still chose him trusting that he would understand their plight as someone who came from a poor family.
He just has one appeal to him: “Sana medyo luwagan pamamasada namin para naman kumita kami sa pamilya namin.”
In the case of Manila City Hall employees, Bong, not his real name, said they are optimistic with the incoming administration of Domagoso.
He said they are praying that he will return their P2,500 rice allowance and other benefits, which he said he removed during his term as vice mayor, once he assumes power on June 30.
“Tingin ko mukhang mapapaganda kami…bago iyan baka may himala,” Bong said.
But he admitted that about 1,000 city hall contractual workers face job loss with the looming transition.
Although her bet was Estrada, Lola Dolores Villamor, 83, is still banking on Domagoso to continue the program of his predecessor for their sector.
“Kasi matulungin si Erap sa matatanda tsaka talagang tinutulungan niya kami. May pension kami na R500 kada buwan maliban pa ang birthday cash at groceries,” she said.
She also took the chance to advice Domagaso whom she said she knew since he was a young scavenger in Smokey Mountain.
“Sana desisyunan niya ang dapat desisyunan. ‘Wag siya makinig sa mga sulsul ng iba, isipin niya mabuti kung makakabuti o makakasama kasi ‘yun ang makakasira sa kanya,” she said. (Ria Fernandez)
