Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has assured that if elected president, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community would not just be protected but would also be part of his governance.
“I don’t like prejudice and there should be no prejudice. In Manila, in our own little way, there is no man, no woman, no gay, no lesbian, no poor, no middle class, no rich, in the eyes of the government they are all equal,” Moreno said when interviewed by reporters in Marikina City on what the LGBTQI sector can expect under a Moreno administration.
“That is also my goal, God is merciful, and with human help, I will equalize the rights and opportunities of every Filipino in Mindanao, in the Visayas, in Luzon. Only now can they see a government where people come first. People are important, people are important,” Moreno added.
The presidential bet stressed that equality, diversity, and inclusivity will be part of his good governance programs as spelled out under his 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda which is his blueprint to hasten human and economic growth once elected president.
Under Moreno’s leadership, Manila is already a showcase of respect and protection of LGBTQ rights with his anti-discrimination ordinance and his promotion of equal opportunities to all productive members of society regardless of economic status, sexual orientation, or preference.
Ordinance No. 8695, or the Manila LGBTQI Protection Ordinance, which aims to eliminate “any and all forms of discrimination against LGBTQI solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression” or SOGIE, was signed by Mayor Isko on October 29, 2020.
“To me, more than the recognition, is for them, these talents, to be utilized by us. And it’s a matter of policy, you’ve been seeing that in Manila. As long as you recognize their skills, their talents, then they excel in their field of undertaking. I have high respect for people because love begets love; respect begets respect,” Moreno said.
“Personal preference or personal life has nothing to do with governance. So hope that you not only have space, you have participation if, and if given the chance, we are Doc Willie (Ong),” Moreno assured the LGBTQI community.
“Thank you very much because we can see the feeling that our group continues to grow stronger so even now I am grateful. I hope you don’t deny us that we can talk to you, we can shake your hand, we can see you. The election is still in May, it’s not too late, we can Switch to Isko. If you don’t want a quarrel between the two teams or you want something else, I am available as your option, we can switch to Isko,” Moreno told Marikina residents.
In Cainta, Rizal, Mayor Keith Nieto on Wednesday praised Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso for acting as a “Good Samaritan” to them when he allowed thousands of their residents to get vaccinated last year and be protected from Covid-19 at a time when vaccines for the deadly virus was limited or scarce.
The 53-year-old Nieto, who is on his last term as Cainta mayor, revealed this during a speech he delivered as “Team Isko” visited them as part of their campaign sortie in this Southern Tagalog province. Joining Moreno is his running-mate Doc Willie Ong and Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial candidates Samira Gutoc, Dr. Carl Balita and Jopet Sison.
“Do you know that we vaccinated more than 20 percent of Cainta people in Manila? Because Mayor Isko told me ‘Don’t say it, don’t spread it. We’ll just do that; I’ll help my countrymen here in Cainta. So, I said ‘make a decision’ because he really didn’t make a decision then, did he? When he said, ‘For me to be president’ I said, ‘All right, go to Cainta, we will give back to you everything you helped in town,” Nieto said.
Nieto also revealed that Manila is very close to his heart considering that his mother once worked as a health center physician in the city, a division head then city health officer. His father, on the other hand, was a former two-term councilor in the late 80s and early 90s during the time of former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez.
“So, they are no different from us. (And) I was just happy when I peeked at Manila in the last few years that I’ve been around, the size has really changed. I’m not flattering. Have you seen the Manila Zoo? I know it’s beautiful. Look at Luneta, Intramuros, the cleanliness, the garbage used to be full.”
“It’s like I’m saying it’s different when the mayor fights because the mayor knows the people’s sentiments, he knows what the people need and when he says, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’, I believe that something good will happen,” Nieto stressed.
Nieto believed that it is high time for the country to have a leader who is pro-active and whose purpose is to really serve the people.
“Maybe it’s time for us to have proactive people so that we can help be pure. Look at my call, you’re here. I’m grateful to you because it’s like you’re really just helping us, aren’t you?” he said.
Meanwhile, Moreno thanked Nieto, his municipal officials, employees, and the people of Cainta for the warm welcome “Team Isko” received during their visit, which included a motorcade around the municipality.
And just like what happened in every place that Team Isko went since Day 1 of the campaign, the Aksyon Demokratiko presidential candidate was mobbed by droves of people – of all ages and of all walks of life to express their genuine and unbridled support behind Moreno.
Everywhere Moreno’s motorcade proceeded, thousands of screaming and cheering supporters warmly welcomed him with open arms as they jostled for position in the crowded streets, all trying to shake or just touch the hands of the charismatic presidential candidate.