Aksyon Demokratiko presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday stressed to Manileňos their constitutional right to choose whoever they think is rightful to lead the country in the May 9 elections.
“I give you freedom, freedom as guaranteed by our law. You will not feel oppression, you will not feel restraint, you will not feel any kind of pressure,” Moreno told City Hall employees and department heads during the regular flag-raising ceremony.
“You are free to choose. If you think others are better, you should follow your feelings,” the Manila City mayor said.
Moreno said that it is his only hope that his constituents, as well as all Filipinos, will be guided by God and their own sense of judiciousness in their choice of candidate.
“So may God guide you this coming Monday. Let our Lord enlighten your minds that when the judgment of the people comes, may our minds be clear, not full of clouds of confusion. May our countrymen find the qualities they are looking for in a leader this coming Monday,” Moreno said.
Having said that, the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer urged the people to look not in the past, but to look toward the future in contemplating their votes.
Moreno again called on the people to put a stop on the decades-long conflict between the Marcoses and the Aquinos, to vote for a candidate who will give them peace of mind and a chance for a better life.
“But I remind you all, just be careful because, remember, I have told you a few times, we cannot live in the past. We cannot live in the past. We must not allow their histories to continue to pull us back,” he said.
Moreno said what happened recently at a posh mall in Makati City where supporters of his rivals Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos had a shouting match is just a preview of what things to come for the country if either one of them becomes president.
“Let us not allow the fight between the two colors to continue. While we respect what happened in 1986, I for one, and I can only speak for myself, we cannot live in 1986. I can live today in 2022, and work hard for my family, the betterment of my children, our future, your
future. You deserve it. Everyone deserves it. That’s your right. Live in the present for the future,” he said.
If people want equality, inclusivity, and peace of mind under a fair and honest government, one only has to look at Manila to see what kind of leadership he is bringing to the table.
Upon assuming office in 2019, Moreno appointed and even promoted those who were known to have supported his rivals. His social programs also do not distinguish between rich or poor, nor any political color.
“Because my eyes are blindfolded. No color seen, no past seen. I just look forward as far as my eyes can see to bring every Manileňo toward that direction. Neither of you felt oppression, revenge, or retaliation,” Moreno pointed out.
But be that as it may, Moreno said he will respect whatever choice they make, as everyone should in a real democracy.
“Meditate. I repeat, you like red, I love you. You like yellow, I still love you. But if you want peace of mind, I love you more,” he said.
“I hope you see in your feelings, you see in your mind, the clear message I want to convey to you to your family, to your loved ones, friends and acquaintances. Let’s finish. This is the time. If we miss this, God knows what will happen. But God has mercy,” Moreno said.