Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso’s campaign sortie on Saturday got a “warm reception” in Quezon City with no less than Mayor Joy Belmonte personally welcoming the presidential tandem of Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer and his running mate Dr. Willie Ong.
Belmonte was holding a caucus with local leaders and residents at a covered basketball court in Barangay Commonwealth when the “Team Isko-Doc Willie” motorcade made a brief stop-over and upon seeing each other, the two mayors briefly embraced before exchanging pleasantries.
“Many, many thanks to our beloved Mayor Joy Belmonte and our councilors who are here, especially to our friends who helped us move around here in your area. Many, many thanks,” Moreno said, while being cheered by the people attending the meeting.
“For telling your relatives to meet us here in your barangay, thank you very much for your warm welcome. I can feel you. I love you,” Moreno said.
Belmonte said she was happy that Moreno, whom she considers as a long-time friend, included Quezon City in his campaign sortie.
“Of course, we are very happy, Isko and I have been friends for a long time. His motorcade passed right here (at the caucus venue). We have been together for a long time,” the 51-year-old Belmonte, who is seeking a second term as city mayor, told reporters.
Moreno’s brief speech was cut a few times by the people who showed their love for the 47-year-old presidential candidate by shouting: “We love you mayor!” eliciting a smile from the former “basurero” who became Manila councilor at age 23, Manila vice mayor at age 32 and Manila mayor at age 44.
Aside from thanking the crowd who showed up during their motorcade, Moreno also took the opportunity to ask for the people’s help in the coming May 9 elections as the battle for the presidential and vice-presidential race will be a tough one.
Domagoso said: “I hope folks, we really need your help and Doc Willie. Hope you help us. Please remember, my countrymen, this is our fight.
“This is about your children, about their future. Depending on your hearts, your thoughts and your decisions, There is eighty days more (before the elections), so let’s think carefully… are we there in the trend, or are we there in the action?
“Are we going to (the) story that is not relevant or the story that is relevant and accountable? You have the right to choose.”
Last Saturday’s motorcade brought the Team Isko-Doc Willie to Districts 2 and 3 in Quezon City.
Just like what happened in the motorcades in Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Navatos and Malabon, tens of thousands of residents came out of their homes to cheer and express their full support for Moreno and Ong as the motorcade meandered its way through Barangays Holy Spirit, Pasong Tamo, Culiat, Batasan and Commonwealth.
Joining Moreno and Ong in the motorcade are Aksyon senatorial candidates Dr. Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc and Jopet Sison, Quezon City 4th District Councilor Irene Belmonte and Dave Valmocina who is running for councilor in the 2nd district of the city.
In his short speeches during brief stop-overs, Domagoso constantly reminded people to be very wise in choosing the next leaders of the country because the future of their children was at stake.