A group of former government senior officials from different administrations have thrown their support behind Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s 2022 presidential bid.
Calling itself FORGE AHEAD (Former Government Executives’ Alliance for Heroism and Democracy), the group is composed of former undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, chairpersons and commissioners of various offices, as well as former senior directors.
Led by lawyer Raoul Creencia, former Government Corporate Counsel and Transportation Undersecretary, members of FORGE AHEAD met with Domagoso last September 29 and had a long and productive discussion on the mayor’s thoughts about various government policies.
Dr. Willie Ong, Mayor Isko’s running mate, was also present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, Domagoso yesterday warned those involved in illegal drugs and other lawless elements to stay their illicit activities in his turf.
He acknowledged an increase in illicit drug operations during election season and ordered them to get out of Manila “as they will be busted, and authorities will catch them.”
He also directed Manila Police District officials to watch out for illegal drugs that usually flood the market during this time.
Aside from Creencia, FORGE AHEAD is composed of former Governance Commission for GOCCs Commissioner Rainier Butalid; former LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez, former NPC President Gladys Sta. Rita; former ERC Chairperson Jovy Salazar; former DepEd Assistant Secretary Emilio Abelita; former DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy; former DICT Assistant Secretary Allan Cabanlog; former Masbate City Prosecutor Eduardo Legaspi; former DOJ executive Martin Menez; former DoTR Assistant Secretary Raine Robinson; and former DND Director Gladys Velasco.
Also attending the meeting were former Transportation Undersecretaries Tim Orbos and Cesar Chavez, who facilitated the meeting between Domagoso and FORGE AHEAD.
Speaking for the group, Creencia said that “government executives who are carefully chosen to do a particular job will, based on our experience, put their heart and soul into their work. They will spend every working day dedicating the best of themselves to the government and to the people.”
Domagoso said senior officials should be guided by “clear policies.” He emphasized that the bureaucracy will smoothly run if there is a corps of dedicated public officials.
Creencia told Mayor Isko that there are more former and even incumbent officials who have signified their support for him and will come out in due time.
Explaining why FORGE AHEAD is supporting Mayor Isko, Creencia said the dynamic local chief executive’s “pursuit of innovative solutions, reforms, and best practices” was among the major reasons why the group has decided to push for a Domagoso presidency.
“Today, more than ever, we believe that your brand of leadership is what is needed by the country,” Creencia said.
In the meeting, FORGE AHEAD was joined by a lawyers’ group – the Bedan Lawyers for Isko — headed by lawyer Cynthia Roxas. The Bedans emphasized that they were supporting Isko’s clarion call for healing and change.