Presidential candidate and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno held a “Team Isko” grand rally in Tacloban City, Leyte, and drew a large crowd, organizers say.
The organizers added that despite Leyte being home province of former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the mother of presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the large crowd reached a peak of 30,000 at the RTR Plaza where the grand rally was held.
Moreno could only thank the people that consisted of all voting ages, from the youth to senior citizens, who came out in full force to personally show their support for him and his vision of serving them and leading them in attaining their aspirations for a better life.
“Many, many thanks for coming here. Grandparents, I love you so much. God has mercy, you know, you can also taste what my grandparents who are seniors in Manila tasted,” Moreno said to loud cheers from the crowd.
“To the moms and dads here, I know life is very hard, but don’t give up on life. All the floods have reached Leyte. Landslides, storms, seas, hardships of life, no work, no food, but things we thank God for, because we are still alive. I mean, there is still hope,” Moreno said.
The 47-year-old presidential aspirant said it is this hope for a better future that makes him more determined to fulfill the promise of real change that succeeding administrations since 1986 have failed to fulfill to the people due to the decades-long conflict between the Marcoses and the Aquinos and the elitist politics they represent.
Moreno also pointed out that what happened recently at a posh mall in Makati City where supporters of his rivals Vice President Leni Robredo and Marcos Jr. had a shouting match is just a preview of what things to come for the country if either one of them becomes president.
“Someone made a promise to our Filipinos, always reminding the children of what happened at EDSA in 1986. Politicians have promised us change. Now 2022 is, the promise still to us, change. But until now, you are still looking for change,” Moreno said.
Given the chance, Moreno vowed to address poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality and social injustice through an inclusive and equitable infrastructure development program as spelled out under his 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.
To achieve this, Moreno said administration will focus on building climate-resilient public housing, public schools, and public hospitals that will serve as beacons of hope and new beginnings during times of calamities. These in turn will create more jobs and opportunities for Filipinos.
“I always wanted the best for you. Let’s just focus on the human problem. Why? It’s hard to be poor. I know how you feel when your stomach hurts. So countrymen, just a few nights, it’s close. I hope in you,” he said.
“Compatriots, I am not against this. It’s not about me, it’s not about the candidates. It’s about your life and your child’s life for six years. Many, many thanks to all of you. Do not give up. The fight continues,” Moreno said to loud cheers and encouragement from the people of Leyte.
The support of the silent majority was also evident when Moreno and the rest of Team Aksyon Demokratiko which include his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, senatorial bets Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison, and guest senatorial candidate John Castriciones of PDP-Laban, paid a courtesy call to Leyte Governor Leopoldo Petilla earlier in the day.