In a renewed bid for local leadership, former Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso, along with vice mayoral candidate Angela Lei "Chi" Ilagan Atienza Valdepeñas running under the Aksyon Demokratiko, pledged to restore Manila to its former glory.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Tuesday, the duo addressed the city's current issues and proposed their solutions, focusing on cleanliness, public safety, and improving livelihood programs.
During the discussion, Moreno emphasized the deteriorating state of cleanliness in Manila, describing it as one of the major concerns he aims to fix.
“Ay talaga yung kadugyutan ng Maynila, naging major concern siya na dumumi ulit, nagkalat ulit ang basura, nawala ng gobyerno,” he said.
He lamented the resurgence of street dwellers, drug users, and criminal activities such as snatching and hold-ups, which have put parents on edge, wondering if their children are still safe on the streets.
"Ang kalinisan at kapanatagan ay talagang hinahanap ng tao," Moreno added.
Moreno also made a bold statement, calling on those involved in illegal activities, such as pushers and snatchers, to leave the city, as he vowed to restore order and peace in Manila.
Moreno is also committed to ensuring that Manileños will feel safe again if he is given a chance to be the local chief of the city.
Addressing the needs of senior citizens and the marginalized
Vice mayoral candidate, a long-time broadcaster, and now serving as Manila's Director of Women’s Affairs, Chi Atienza shared her vision for supporting marginalized sectors, particularly the elderly, women, and the youth.
“Marami pong mga senior citizens na gusto pa rin ng oportunidad, ng new skills, to feel like they are still part of the community,” she emphasized, committing to strengthening the city’s support systems through skills training and community integration.
"Kailangan marepresenta ang mga sektor ng lipunan, para sa akin dapat bigyan ng boses sa gobyerno and at the same time ang bitbit ko pong programa ay livelihood,” she stressed.
Improving Manila’s public services and infrastructure
Both candidates agreed on the urgent need to improve Manila's public services, particularly in healthcare and housing.
Moreno pointed to his administration’s efforts to build new hospitals, including the Baseco Hospital and a new 10-story public hospital in Manila, which is fully equipped with modern medical equipment.
The former mayor also addressed the issue of housing, clarifying that while the government provides affordable housing for the poor, ownership is not always feasible due to financial limitations.
“In our case, wala namang kakayanan ang squatter na magbayad ng 8,000, 15,000 isang buwan,” he explained.
He emphasized that his administration would continue to offer affordable housing, similar to the Tondominium project, while ensuring that residents are supported until they can eventually afford to own their homes.
Moreno-Atienza's vision to make Manila like 'Singapore'
Moreno-Atienza tandem main platform is their vision of turning Manila into a city similar to Singapore, citing its global model of urban development.
Moreno and Atienza believed that through consistent efforts, Manila could become a cleaner, safer, and more successful city.
"Gusto raw niyang gawin Singapore ang Maynila," Atienza stating on what Moreno wants for Manila.
"I believe, unti-unti. Rome is not built in a day, but if we consistently go to this direction kaya natin maging Singapore balang araw," Moreno reiterated.
Atienza expressed her full support for Moreno’s vision, emphasizing that as vice mayor, her role would be to back Moreno’s initiatives and ensure they reach all corners of the city.
Calling for stronger and more inclusive governance
Both candidates also highlighted their commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.
He criticized political mudslinging and reiterated his commitment to transparency and governance, pointing out that he practiced “open governance”, which aims to involve the public in decision-making and ensure that all sectors of society are heard and represented.
Atienza also underlined the importance of giving voice to underrepresented groups, like the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, people with disabilities (PWDs), and single parents.
She believes that these sectors are often overlooked and deserve better representation in the government.
“Ang biggest support ko rin sa likuran ni yorme is to stand from sectors which I believe nagdadasal na sila na mapakinggan ng gobyerno, ito ay mga sektor ng lipunan ng senior citizen, PWD, muslim community, mga solo parents, mga kabataan, at mga LGBTQ,” Atieza affirmed.
Moreno also addressed allegations made by political opponents regarding the alleged sale of city properties like the Universidad de Manila (UDM).
“Hindi lang ako pikon sa politika pero kakulong-kulong ang sinasabi niya. Nandyan ang UDM sa Lawton City Hall [ang nagmamanage],” he said, denying all claims and calling the allegations libelous.
With less than two weeks before election day, Moreno remained the frontrunner in all six districts of the Manila mayoral race with a commanding 63% voter support, according to the latest OCTA Research survey conducted from April 20 to 23, 2025.
As the campaign election approaches, both Moreno and Atienza continue to rally support from Manilenos, promising to clean up the city, restore peace and order, and provide livelihood programs for the most vulnerable sectors.
