By VINCE JACOB VISAYA, The Manila Times news correspondent and Luzonwide News Correspondent Publishing editor
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela- Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has been pushed by sectoral leaders in Cagayan Valley (Region 2) to run for President in the 2022 elections, saying he is the right leader for the country.
The leaders uniting under the group Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas have launched a series of consultations with its chapters in the region on its pitch for Domagoso’s candidacy.
Lawyer Hang Liggayu-Espejo, regional convenor, said the group is hoping to convince Moreno to seek the Philippines’ highest political office next year, citing his traits as most suitable for the position that Filipinos are looking for in a leader.
About 200 youth and sectoral leaders – who attended personally and virtually – led launches for its Isko-for-President campaign in the provinces of Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya while the Cagayan province launch will be held after the lifting of enhanced community quarantine in Tuguegarao City.
Thomas Orbos, national lead convenor who joined virtually, said Domagoso has been effective and efficient in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
A leader must show compassion for the people and deliver on his promises to them, according to Orbos, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager and Transportation undersecretary.
“What he did and is still doing in Manila is from his heart, from his desire to help the people of Manila. I hope that he can do the same for the nation,” he said.
“It’s not about believing in him, although I believe in him, but it’s more on how he made us believe in ourselves, how he made Manileños believe in themselves that they can overcome. That’s very important especially at this time when we do not know where the road will lead us,” Orbos pointed out.
Domagoso, who is serving his first term as Manila mayor, had a spat with President Rodrigo Duterte over reports that he may run for the presidency.
He has been a consistent contender in the race to Malacañang in 2022 in several pre-election surveys as a candidate either for President or Vice President.
The mayor, who declined nomination for being a possible presidential bet or a vice presidential candidate under 1Sambayan, has confirmed that he will run for an elective position but said it still remains to be seen what that position is.#
