IMG Source: ONE News

MANILA, Philippines -- In the weekly news forum, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno reiterated his commitment to go after criminals and corruption, past and present, under the rule of law.

"Let me assure you again, those who failed us, those who committed crimes, abuse, corruption, they cannot escape the long arm of the law. We'll go after them under the rule of law," he said.

"Papanagutin natin sila sa mata ng batas, hindi sa kapritso at kapangyarihan lamang ng ng pangulo (They will be made accountable under the eyes of the law, not on the whims and power of the president)," Moreno said.

Additionally, he said that letting the justice system take its proper course will let him "focus more on the tasks" of uplifting the lives of Filipinos and reinvigorating the economy during and after the pandemic.

Don't lose focus on real issues

Moreno urged the public not to lose their focus on the real issues plaguing the country amid the torrent of misleading claims typical in any election cycle.

"Mga kababayan, tibayan ninyo ang inyong mga kalooban. Patatagin ninyo ang inyong mga damdamin. Lahat ng smokescreen gagawin sa atin para lumabo ang paningin natin," Moreno said in the Kapihan sa Manila Bay weekly news forum.

The Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer pointed out that the real enemy is Covid-19, which has brought the country to where it is presently now.

"But then again, kwidaw (beware). Mag-ingat, mag-siyasat, kasi lilituhun tayo mga kababayan (Be careful, investigate, because they will try to confuse us)," Moreno said.

Having said that, Moreno said he remains committed to work together with everyone and anybody towards a better future for our country.

"I did not run because galit ako kung kaninuman. I decided to run to offer my services in my own little way, my experience in managing things and how to work with everyone, with anybody immaterial of their colors."

Presidential candidate Moreno, who is running under a platform of unity and open governance, said what he is offering to the Filipino people is what they have done in Manila that can be replicated in the entire country – specifically how to approach the Covid-19 pandemic, how to continue to invest in our people to uplifting the quality of their lives and how to move on towards development.

"And if I can share this type of attitude, these type of ideas to the entire country, I will be happy to do so. And hopefully bigyan niyo ako ng pagkakataon na yun (you will give me that opportunity)," Moreno said.

No offense meant, just real talk

Moreno also offered an apology to those who might have harbored ill-feelings towards his "real talk" attitude.

"Then again, if I offended you of being honest and true to my dreams and aspirations in life, I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend anybody. I am just being me and real; and truth hurts. Real talks matter, results matter."

But Mayor Isko said that people should take the time to verify the claims of all candidates, including him, for them to really assess the real qualities and qualifications of each candidate.

"Question is where were you when we needed you most? Where were you during those struggling times, when there's so many uncertainties? Iyan po ang itanong niyo mga kababayan sa mga kandidato natin, katulad ko rin," he said.

"Sa amin po ni Doc Willie (Ong), may resibo. Sa kanila, ikukuwento pa lang nila at papangarapin pa lang nila. Kami po may resibo, modesty aside, sisiyatin niyo na lang po," Moreno said.#