Early politicking ahead of 2019 local elections in the country may disrupt the early passage of important local measures that need to be enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said Thursday.
Speaking before barangay officials, the former President said there were “strong indications” the significant local measures might not be fully implemented this year because of early campaigning.
Estrada instead appealed to all politicians in the city for unity and cooperation and to set aside politicking at this time.
He said the election is “still too far away” and advised city politicians to refrain from engaging in early politicking.
However, Estrada declined to name names who are reportedly engaging in partisan politics, saying it is more than 12 months ahead of the filing deadline for candidates.
“To our friends, lets us focus to our work. I am calling the attention of the members of the City Sanggunian na madaliin ang pag-aapruba ng mga nakapending na legislation that will contribute for reclaiming the city’s good name as the premier city of the Philippines,” Estrada said.
He added that the delays in the passage of important local measures would result to poor governance and “who will suffer? Manileños have been waiting for so long to see the changes that will make our city great again.”
Estrada observed that preparation for the 2019 elections has seriously affected the government business of serving well the Manileños.
“I am appealing to our partners in government. I am pleading with the Sanggunian to pass the needed legislations as soon as possible to avoid poor implementation.”
Estrada said there’s much more work to be done in fixing the city, and high on that list is the fight against corruption, particularly in the city police force and a few departments in city hall; the regular cleaning and declogging of wastes and garbage from esteros, rivers and other waterways in Manila.
“We have to strictly implement the measures against illegal dumping of garbage anywhere else and impose stiff penalties. If we need to put violators in jail we will do it,” the mayor said.
Illegal dumping of wastes in the esteros, sewerage, and waterways has resulted to massive flashfloods in many streets in Manila.
He said plans are now underway to relocate those living in the esteros and edges of waterways.