Have ‘Delicadeza,’ Isko Moreno Tells Political Dynasties

Manila mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno said on Tuesday, Jan. 25, there should be “delicadeza” among politicians who pass on their electoral posts to family members as he scored “bad dynasties” holding on to power.  

Moreno made the reaction following a statement from his rival former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that political dynasties should not be banned especially if these were chosen by the people in the elections. 

“Is there a good reason behind making it illegal?… The assumption, the premise has always been that dominant political families are necessarily bad, and that's not necessarily the case. So, why will you make them illegal?” Marcos Jr. said in an interview with “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH on Monday night, Jan. 24. 

While he did not criticize the Marcos political dynasty, Moreno said members of political dynasties should be ashamed for treating elective positions like inheritance. 

“I am uneasy about bad dynasties. While it’s true technically that they are being elected, in fairness to them, we also have a term called ‘delicadeza.’ But he is entitled to his opinion. I will let the people decide on the matter,” Moreno said in an interview at the city hall, referring to Marcos’ view that the elections is the best “anti-dynasty rule.” 

Moreno said running for the country’s highest position should be similar applying for a job based on credentials, not connections. 

“That’s why I don’t like dynasties in national office. Can you believe that you will preside over 100 million people, and then, once you’re done, you want your partner or children to get hired next?” the mayor said. 

In an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal in 2019, Moreno said he has forbidden his children from joining politics while he is in government, but they can once he retires.  

Moreno also questioned members of political dynasties in areas where poverty persisted during their rule. 

“If you served there for a long time, and yet (your area) remained one of the poorest provinces, what did you do with your time as leader there?” Moreno said. 

A 2013 paper by the Ateneo School of Government found that poverty and inequality persisted in provinces where political dynasties thrived. 

The 1987 Constitution has a prohibition on political dynasties but it needs an enabling law to be implemented. 

During the presidential interviews of GMA 7 broadcast journalist Jessica Soho that aired on Saturday, Jan. 22, Moreno said he will support banning political dynasties if he wins as president. 

Meanwhile, Moreno clarified his stance against same-sex marriage, saying he respects the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“In Manila, everyone is equal regardless of sexuality…I continue to respect them. I grew up with gays and lesbians… and I’m proud of being with them, so I continue to respect their preferences… and their union or being together,” Moreno said, adding that he wanted to focus on alleviating the country’s plight before tackling same-sex marriage. 

The mayor also has no problem with President Duterte’s plan to reveal the dirt on presidential aspirants. 

“He is still a citizen of the country. He is entitled to his observation and opinion on top of his being the President. You did not hear anything from me when he called me out for my briefs,” Moreno said, referring to the time Duterte lambasted him for his sexy roles as an actor in the past. 

Moreno also said he turned down the invitation of his former chief of staff, dzRH vice president and station manager Cesar Chavez, to attend a presidential interview, citing “delicadeza.” 

“It’s a personal decision for purposes of delicadeza,” Moreno said, denying speculations that he had a fight with his former chief of staff who quit the mayor’s team to go back to radio broadcasting.