Mayor Isko urges leaders: Filipinos first, the common ground

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday, June 8, called on national leaders to set aside political differences and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over partisan interests. Speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Domagoso appealed to leaders in the national government to meet halfway and find common ground despite ongoing political tensions. “Itong nangyayari sa ating bansa, 'yung ating mga lider sa national government, sana minsan isang umaga mag-almusal sila pare-pareho at humupa sa isang hapag-kainan na nag-uusap kung saan sila pwedeng magkitang intersection (With what is happening in our country, I hope our national leaders can sit down together over breakfast one day and discuss where they can meet at a common intersection)," he said. The Manila mayor likened the situation to two roads moving directly toward each other without a clear direction. “Hindi pwedeng dalawang kalye magkatapat at parehong umaandar, walang patutunguhan ang ating bansa ( Two roads cannot continue moving directly toward each other; our country will not get anywhere) ,” he added. Domagoso said the approaching Independence Day serves as a reminder not only of the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes but also of the responsibility entrusted to today’s leaders to prioritize the public interest. “The common ground is the Filipino people,” he said. “I hope and we pray, help me pray to give them wisdom to set aside differences and realize that their obligation to the people is greater than their obligation to their political parties.” He warned that political dysfunction at the national level has direct consequences for ordinary citizens, particularly in highly populated urban centers such as Manila. “I hope, because we Manileños will suffer if institutions fail to deliver their obligations and responsibility to do their job that will benefit the...