Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso on Tuesday night said President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s leadership and type of governance inspired him to strive hard in reforming his city.
This was after President Duterte praised Domagoso for his resolve to clean the country’s capital and implement its ordinances.
“Thank you for the kind words, Mr. President, but to be really honest, isa po kayo sa mga naging inspirasyon ko sa kung ano mang klase ng liderato na meron kami [you are one of the inspirations for whatever kind of leadership we have],” Domagoso said in a text message to media late Tuesday.
During an event in Malacañang Tuesday night, Duterte said he was impressed by Domagoso, which made him listen to the local official’s speeches.
Since he assumed office, Domagoso had earned a huge following and heaped praises for his sustained efforts to clean the city.
Prior to becoming president, Duterte served as mayor of Davao, a city known to strictly implement its ordinances.
Domagoso shared that whenever he was in Davao City, he never smoked for fear of getting caught.
He also shared that in one of his trips from Tagum City in Davao del Norte going back to Davao City, he saw how the locals followed traffic rules.
“It was late in the night, but our driver drove slower and we asked him why. His answer was simple: We’re already in Davao City. We follow traffic rules here even at night whether police are around or not,” Domagoso said.
“So, I think the diligence of all the mayors in the Philippines, not only me, is only a reflection of the kind of leadership and president we have. So we owe it to you Mr. President, for inspiring us and for becoming a good example to all of us,” Domagoso said.
In the Palace, Duterte said he watches the Manila official’s speeches during events.
“I’m impressed by him that’s why I listen whenever he speaks,” Duterte said in a media interview after the oathtaking of the Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association in Malacañang.
“He’s doing better than me to be honest. I can see that his resolve is better than mine so I give him plus two,” he added.
Since he assumed office, Domagoso had earned a huge following and heaped praises for his sustained efforts to clean the city.
He also engaged with several members of the diplomatic corps and even officials of the national government to relay his visions for a “greener” capital.
He also vowed to turn Manila’s heritage sites into must-visit destinations for tourists and partnered with the Department of Tourism for the new Manila tourism circuit.
Domagoso earlier thanked Duterte for his praises, saying the chief executive was the “inspiration” for the kind of leadership he displays.