'Mas mahusay siya': Duterte says he admires Isko Moreno's cleanup efforts

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has heaped praises on Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for his massive cleanup operations in the country's capital city, even declaring that the young local executive is better than him.

"Bilib ako sa kanya kaya nanonood ako kung nagsasalita siya. Mas mahusay siya kaysa akin, sa totoo lang (I admire him so I watch him when he speaks. To be honest, he is better than me)," Duterte told reporters in a press conference in Malacañang Tuesday night.

"Oo, may nakita ako na mas mahusay ang resolve niya kaysa akin (Yes, I have seen that his resolve is stronger than mine)," he added.

Moreno, whose real name is Francisco Moreno Domagoso, drew praises for immediately cleaning up the garbage-filled and crowded areas in Metro Manila including Divisoria, Quiapo, and Blumentritt.

Some Manila vendors have complained that the cleanup has affected their livelihood and has made it harder for them to make both ends meet. Moreno has defended his operations, citing the need to put order in the city.

Duterte also said he is awaiting the report of the interior department on his directive for mayors to clear roads of all kinds of obstructions. He said he was ready to punish local executives who fail to comply with the order.

"If (Interior Secretary Eduardo) Año recommends for your suspension or dismissal, I will approve it if you failed to honor the order of Año," the president said.