Former actor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso yesterday vowed to wipe out “kotong” and end tyranny in the streets after being sworn in as the 27th mayor of Manila.
In his first public address since posting a landslide victory last May, Domagoso, 44, warned traffic enforcers against mulcting motorists, saying a one-strike policy will be implemented.
“Mawawala ang kotong. Mawawala ang mga nag-aabang manghuli sa ilalim ng tulay o puno ng kahoy. Ang principal na gawain ng isang traffic officer ay mag-manage ng traffic at hindi magsulat ng parking ticket,” he said.
Domagoso said he will clear the streets of vendors and address the worsening traffic situation in the city.
“The rule of law must prevail and the law of the jungle in our streets must end. Tyranny in our streets must end. We will manage traffic systematically,” he said.
The new mayor said he will order government-funded schools, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Universidad de Manila, to form an Institute of Transportation and Traffic Management to reduce traffic congestion in Manila.
One of the measures in the pipeline is a Manila-wide MonoRail System or the Manila Sky Shuttle, a private-government partnership.
“Ito po ay private-government partnership, na panalo ang tao at ‘di lugi ang gobyerno. For our city to get going, its people must have an easy time moving,” he said.
Domagoso, however, conceded that all these he cannot in three years.
“I wish I could tell you, that it will all be roses in the next three years. But in reality it will not be a walk in Rizal Park. If Manila like Rome, was not built in one day, fixing it will require more than one term,” he said in his 45-minute speech.
Domagoso said that open governance policy will be the cornerstone of his administration.
“Bukas na pamahalaan. Bukas ang financial records. Bukas ang lahat ng transaction. Walang itinatago. Walang ikinukubli. At higit sa lahat, bukas ang isipan sa mga makabagong paraan. Bukas sa mga modernong idea. Bukas sa mga suhestyon na nagmumula sa mga mamamayan mismo,” he said.
“We will use the power of technology and the reach of social media to crowd source ideas and implement best practices, punish bad behavior, and reward good performance,” he added.
Domagoso took his oath before Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin who also swore in Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan at the Bulwagang Katipunan in Manila City Hall.
Thirty-six councilors, on the other hand, were also sworn in by Executive Judge Virgilio Macaraig.
Domagoso served as vice mayor for three terms before losing his Senate bid in 2016.
His is a classic rags-to-riches tale.
“Alam niyo ang kwento ng buhay ko. Basurero. Tindero. Squatter. Gutom. Mahirap. Ni sa panaginip ng marami ‘di ninyo naisip na maluklok ako sa pwestong ito. Huwag kayong mag-alala hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala,” he said.
“Ang isang basurero pwede palang maging alkalde ng Maynila. It’s a moment for every citizens of Manila. Kasi para sa kanila to hindi naman para sa amin,” he added.
In his bid to make Manila more attractive to foreign and domestic investments, Domagoso said he will dig into its most precious resource — the young people of Manila.
He vowed to rebuild the love of Manileños for the parks and plazas and will declare 2021 as Visit Manila Year.
“It is time to reclaim them for our children. Para sila at tayo ay may pahingahan, pahanginan at palaruan. Huwag po nating hayaan lumaki ang ating mga anak na ang concept ng open space ay ang lobby lamang ng mga malls,” he said.
“Manila is a city teeming with history and full of heritage. Hindi tayo makakarating sa ating paroroonan kung hindi natin pahahalagaan, kung hindi mamahalin ang nakaraan,” he added.
In attendance was former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza whom Domagoso served as a first-time councilor in 1998.
Former mayors Joseph Estrada and Alfredo Lim were invited but did not attend Domagoso’s inauguration. (Erma Edera)
