Isko Blasts ‘Elite’ Politics

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno blasted “elite” politics as he touted his “real talk” style of addressing his constituents.

Leading the groundbreaking ceremony of a three-story hospital in Baseco Compound in Port Area on Monday, Oct. 18, Moreno said he joined the presidential derby even though he does not belong to any political clan.

He stressed that political differences should be set aside as “elitists” and “moralists” often engage in political bickering.

“The elitists do not like my straight, real talk because they have their own language,” Moreno said in Filipino.

He recalled that the political elites in Manila even opposed his mayoralty bid in 2019. “They ganged up on me. But I stayed with the people,” he said.

Moreno vowed that if he wins as president, he will replicate in the whole country the construction of healthcare facilities and COVID-19 field hospitals in Manila.

The mayor often touts his rags-to-riches story as a stevedore’s son who grew up in the slums of Tondo. In an online forum, the former actor turned politician declared his current net worth at P70 million.

Although critics say Moreno mirrors the populist style of President Duterte in lambasting the elite and siding with the people, the mayor has denied being a “secret” candidate of Duterte.

Branding himself as anti-oligarch, Duterte in a recent speech welcomed the “enlightened rich” who donated funds to the administration party without strings attached. He had earlier promised to give “sacks of cash” for the campaign of PDP-Laban candidates.

Gutoc upset

Meanwhile, Marawi civic leader and senatoriable Samira Gutoc admitted she got upset over Moreno’s “below the belt” tirades against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Speaking to online news program “Facts First,” the former Otso Diretso candidate now with Aksyon Demokratiko said she could feel her face “melting” when Moreno called Robredo a “fake leader with a fake color.”

“How did I feel when Yorme was doing the tirades against the Vice President? I’m melting behind him. But I wouldn’t want to create a scenario or scandal by leaving,” Gutoc said.

“I wouldn’t know what’s in his mind why he is launching on that tirade, bordering on below the belt… It was very awkward and I was very angry,” she added.

Gutoc noted that Moreno’s speech in her presence did not reflect well on her, with netizens on Twitter calling on her to go back to the opposition senatorial slate.

She was behind Moreno when the mayor made the statement in a press conference following an oathtaking of new members at Mehan Garden on Oct. 8.

“Fake leader with fake color is a fake character,” said Moreno, who criticized Robredo for declaring her presidential bid just to prevent the return of the Marcoses in power.

He also took a swipe at the opposition senatorial slate in 2019 called Otso Diretso, saying they lost and “went down the drain” (“nainodoro”) even though Gutoc was part of that losing slate.

Moreno also called the Liberals the offensive term “yellowtards.”

“The ‘yellowtard’ was standing right behind him,” Gutoc said. “He’s going down the labeling (path) and that was not part of the agreement. I thought we were working toward healing?”

Gutoc said she and Moreno have talked about the awkward situation and have agreed to move on from the incident.

She said she would remain in Aksyon’s senatorial slate and stick with Moreno, noting that she has long admired the party’s founder, the late senator Raul Roco.

Moreno’s camp said the standard-bearer would tone down his language, following criticisms that he is taking a cue from the populist campaign style of Duterte.

Hospital named after an Aquino

Moreno made the statements against “elitists” as he led the groundbreaking for the three-story President Corazon Aquino General Hospital, which will rise at the Baseco Compound in Tondo.

Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Rep. Yul Servo and other city officials also attended the event.

Moreno said the 50-bed hospital would cater specifically to Baseco residents.

“Gusto ko mayroon kayong sariling ospital sa loob ng Baseco upang mapangalagaan ang mga buntis, mga nanay at mga anak na mabigyan ng tamang atensyong medikal,” Moreno said in his speech.

He said the city government allotted P100 million for the construction of the hospital and purchase of medical equipment.

Lacuna, who is running for mayor in 2022, said the hospital would boost the local government’s health services for the poor.

City hall targets to finish the seventh hospital run by the local government by June next year.