Isko cites signs to consider higher post

BY MINKA KLAUDIA S. TIANGCO

What could push Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to run for higher office in 2022?

There are plenty of factors.

Apart from having the right number of supporters, a vision, a valid reason, and family’s readiness, Moreno said he should get signs from God for him to run for the higher office next year.

He made stressed in an interview with ANC on Monday in reaction to a recent Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey that showed him among the top picks as a presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial candidate.

Moreno, who ran for a Senate seat but lost his bid in 2016, said he has to make sure that he has enough supporters to make him electable.

“You must have a vision. You must be sure you really have to offer something different from the others,” he continued.

“What are your reasons? Mamanahin lang ba ‘yan o dahil lang ba gusto ko lang lumaki career ko. You must have a valid reason in the eyes and ears of our people,” he added.

The Manila mayor also said he would consider if his family is ready for him to take on a higher post that would entail more responsibilities.

“On top of all these things, sometimes you have to talk to God, you really have to ask for signs,” he said.

Moreno again said that it is every politician’s dream to occupy higher offices.

But he said focusing on political ambitions now instead of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is “quite unfair to the people.”

“Maraming salamat po sa mga bumoto sa survey. It’s an honor, thank you very much, privilege and honor na mapili niyo ako. Kung ano mang posisyon ‘yan, maraming salamat sa inyo for your appreciation.

“But let me focus on the vaccination process, let me focus on how we are going to keep you safe, let me focus on how we can give you peace of mind while you are in Manila or while you are working in Manila,” he said.

“Ayoko iparamdam sa mga tao na mas atat ‘yung mga taong politiko, tulad ko, sa political growth, career growth, mas interesado silang lumaki ang kanilang pwesto kaysa mag-focus sa pandemya na kinakaharap ng mga tao,” he added.

“Hangga’t hindi nairaraos ang problemang ito. I think we can suppress or delay our career goals in life.”