THE new chief executive of the City of Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno started his term with a blast of actions that will become the standard measure of performance particularly for local government executives should he be able to sustain such actions and style of leadership.
Mayor Isko was not the first to clear Divisoria of street vendors but the first to do so in a magnitude that gave back the Divisoria portion of C.M. Recto Avenue back to motorists.
For decades, such portion of C.M. Recto Avenue has been “surrendered” to street vendors and delivery vehicles. It was never an option for many public utility vehicles and most private vehicles because the “occupancy” of street vendors rendered such portion a dead-end street.
It is reasonable to say that all Filipinos, not only the resident of Manila, are expecting that said action of Mayor Moreno to clear that portion of C.M. Recto Avenue will define his leadership of the City.
The people deserve leaders who have uncompromising commitment to, among others, what is just, legal, and orderly.
Mayor Isko’s pronouncement on the attempted bribery for him to maintain the status quo in Divisoria is an expression of his uncompromising commitment to a corruption-free leadership.
The order of Mayor Isko to remove and not display the names and photos of politicians in all schools and public premises in the City, including his, is another laudable action.
While he was not the first government official to do such action, Mayor Moreno was applauded for the same because early on in his term, he succeeded in gaining a reputation of being a no-nonsense local government executive.
Mayor Isko is currently the “star” in the political arena because he represents the hope of all Filipinos for government leaders who are sincere and decisive in pursuing the interests of the people.
Will he be able to sustain such brand of leadership and public service?
Mayor Isko now has the golden opportunity to serve not only the people of Manila but all Filipinos. In sustaining his no-nonsense and pro-people leadership, he is able to raise the standard of performance of all government leaders. Such higher standard of performance is beneficial not only to the current but also future generation of Filipinos.
Many are saying that Mayor Isko has the potential of occupying higher positions in government. With the “Isko” standard, our country also has the potential of becoming great again.
