Isko unfazed by PDP Laban endorsement of Marcos

MANILA – Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said he is not threatened by the recent endorsement of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to presidential candidacy of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

During the ceremonial turnover of the newly renovated Universidad de Manila’s Henry Sy Sr. Campus in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday, Domagoso admitted that the endorsement may likely make their campaign more difficult, but he is already used to adversities.

“Mas humirap ang laban ko. But just the same, remember, lahat ng aklat ng buhay ko, puro mahirap ang laban ko. Sa awa ng Diyos at salamat sa Diyos, nalagpasan ko lahat, nagtagumpay ako. Tingin ko naman, sa tulong ng Diyos at sa tulong ninyo, malalagpasan ko rin itong hamon sa buhay (The endorsement made my fight more difficult. But remember, my life has been full of difficulties. With the help of God, I was able to overcome them. I think with the help of God and with your help, I will also get through these challenges),” he said.

Domagoso, the incumbent mayor of Manila, said he will not give up his goal of serving the country, adding these new challenges would motivate him to work harder to win in the May 9 elections.

For now, he said the Aksyon Demokratiko team will just stick to its campaign strategies by directly going to the people in the communities.

“Tayo naman, tutuloy-tuloy tayo sa tao, tutuloy-tuloy tayo na humarap sa tao, dumiretso sa tao. Mas maraming kalsada, mas maraming townhall, mas maraming eyeball (We will continue to go directly to the people, face them, hear them. More roads to tread, more townhalls, more eyeball). The only challenge is geography. But it will continue,” he said.

Despite the PDP-Laban endorsement of Marcos, Domagoso said he is still hoping the ruling party’s chairman, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, would still endorse his presidential bid.

“Katulad niyo, katulad ni Pangulong Duterte, pipilitin ko, aabutin ko sa abot ng aking makakaya, na kayo’y mapaliwanagan, makumbinse na tulungan ako (Just like you, just like President Duterte, I will try my best to convince you to help me). In the meantime, it’s just another day. Tomorrow, the day after that, until its May,” he said.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte has yet to make an official statement on his preferred successor.

Andanar said it is still “unclear” if Duterte would also endorse Marcos.

Duterte earlier said the next president should be someone who served as a “mayor” and a lawyer like him. (PNA)