Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla defended Manila Mayor Isko Moreno from critics who launched "ad hominem" attacks against him by bringing up the local chief executive's past showbiz career.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page Wednesday morning, Remulla talked about the sudden "panggigipit at pilit na pang-aalipusta" or harassment against the Manila mayor.

The Cavite governor did not mention any names, but he noted the higher government officials who stepped on Moreno's character.

"YORME DID NOT DO THOSE PROVOCATIVE POSES WHILE IN OFFICE AS A RESPECTED COUNCILOR, VICE MAYOR OR AS THE CURRENT MANILA MAYOR," said Remulla, who had a previous clash with Moreno over Cavite local government's distribution of cash aid to former Manila residents.

Remulla pointed out that Moreno had to do these sexy pictures because he was eager to join the show business and earn for a living.

"He was very young then. I am sure the limelight was quite tempting for a young lad from a very poor background. And why not? The opportunity for him to earn a living was readily available," he said.

Personally, Remulla said these sexy pictures should not be an issue.

"What's important is that Yorme NEVER LIED, DID NOT STEAL, KILL nor did he ever brought shame to the great people of Manila as a Public Servant," Remulla said.

The Cavite governor said judging political rivals should be based on one's competence in serving the public and not about one's past nor what he did when he was young.

"Hindi tama na tapak-tapakan ang nakaraan, paninindigan at reputasyon ng isang taong wala namang kalaban-laban. Ang paghuhusga ay ilaan na lamang po natin sa mga taong lumabag sa batas o siyang mga nagtraydor sa bayan," he said.

(It is not right to step on someone's past, beliefs, and reputation. We should reserve our judgments to those who have violated the laws and those who betrayed the country.)

"Let his record of governance speak for itself," Remulla ended.

During his weekly public address, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said: "Kayong mga Pilipino, huwag kayong magpaloko diyan sa mga padrama magsalita pati kung...nakita ko nga sa Facebook kanina, lahat nang nakabikini ang g*** tapos may isang picture pa doon na sinisilip niya 'yung ari niya. Iyan ang gusto ninyo? Ang training, parang call boy. Iyan ang training ng presidente, maghubad at magpa-picture at magsilip, magyabang sa kanilang ari."

Duterte did not mention any name but Moreno, Francisco Domagoso in real life, is a former model for undergarments and an actor long before he was elected to public office.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque denied that Duterte has attacked Moreno.

Likewise, Duterte's spokesperson denied that the President stripped the Manila local government of authority to distribute cash aid to low-income families affected by the enhanced community quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to supposed incompetence.

Duterte said Monday night that he instructed the DILG and DSWD to take over the cash distribution duties of a 'certain LGU' due to lack of organization.

The DILG on Tuesday morning said it has not received any instructions yet from Malacanang regarding the stripping of the cash aid distribution duty of a certain local government unit.

On late Tuesday night, however, Moreno said the Manila Department of Social Welfare will start the cash aid distribution on Wednesday, August 11.

Moreno is ranking second to third in pre-election polls on possible 2022 presidential bets which was dominated by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. --KG, GMA News