Charles Teves
Isang Pilipinas, a group supporting mayors Isko Moreno and Sara Duterte’s presidential and vice-presidential candidacies, laid out in detail why they think the two would be best to run the country.
Lead convenor Vivian Velez believes that the tandem can only benefit the country because they are both mayors with tremendous executive experience.
“Both of them are mayors. I believe in the theory that the pragmatic approach to deal with crisis and uncertainty, it would be mayors. That I think would be the best solution para sa problema natin,” she said in a press conference.
Because they are mayors, Moreno and Duterte have the capability of solving problems much quicker, she added.
“The mayors are the best people to run this country. Kailangan direct solving. Nakita namin yan kay Isko [at] Sara,”
As a die-hard Duterte supporter, Velez thinks Sara has the best chances of continuing her father’s policies.
“Si Sara Duterte assurance [yung] continuity. The best person who can continue the legacy [of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte] would be Sara Duterte. Siya yung ating continuity.“
Filmmaker Edith Fider admitted that Moreno’s vice-presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong is a decent pick but he lacks the right attributes to be second in command. She sees the Isko-Sara tandem as the better team to deal with issues bigger than the pandemic.
“Kahit mahal namin si Doc Willie Ong, alam namin may kalalagyan siya. Kailangan ng Isko-Sara tandem kasi ang haharapin natin ay mas mabigat na problema kaysa sa pandemya. Among the presidentiables, tanging si Isko at Sara lamang ang may mga resibo sa pagiging mayor nila sa kanilang mga bayan,”
On top of that, Moreno and Duterte are much younger and more “energetic” compared to their rivals.
“Sila ay bata, energetic, makabago ang pag-iisip, at mabilis kumilos,” she added.
For the old, enthusiastic, and heavyset convenor, Moreno already won him over when he saw how his leadership positively impacted the city of Manila.
“Nakita namin ang performance niya sa Manila. Kaya yun ang naging resulta ng botohan ng ‘Ikaw Muna Pilipinas’ upang suportahan si Isko,” Head of the group Parents Enabling Parents Phillip Piccio meanwhile praised Moreno and Duterte’s advocacy for coveted equality in the country.
“Ang nagustuhan ko [sa tandem] yung pagkapantaypantay ng bawat tao. Regardless of what religion you believe in, no barriers. Yun ang tunay na pagkakaisa,” he said.
“Sinabi niya [Isko Moreno] sa akin na he will support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Kung magiging modernized ang ating kapulisan, kahit ang West Philippine Sea, kayang protektohan,” he continued.
Fr. Nathaniel Mariano finished the event by highlighting Moreno’s ability to work with anyone, even the opposition.
“Si Yorme, kung sino man ang bise presidente, kaya niyang pakisamahan. He can work with anyone,” he said.
