DILG lauds Isko’s political will

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday lauded Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for showing strong political will in solving the many ills of the city.

“I’m pleased that in the first week of his administration, Mayor Isko has already shown that the challenges of the city are not insurmountable and can be addressed with political will and commitment,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Año cited Moreno’s cleanup of Divisoria and other major streets, which have been cleared of illegal vendors and other obstructions in just a few days, a feat that his predecessor, Joseph Estrada, was not able to do during his two terms in office.

He also commended Moreno’s programs on waste management, clearing waterways and illegal gambling, initiatives that should be emulated by other local chief executives.

“We hope that the actions of Mayor Isko will inspire other local chief executives  in other parts of the country to follow his example and to similarly show decisive leadership in bringing about change in their communities because that is what the people expect,” he said.

The challenge now for Moreno, according to Año, is sustaining the early gains of his administration, particularly in clearing waterways, which he said will help in improving the conditions of the Manila Bay.

“We look forward to working with him closely in order to return Manila Bay to its pristine beauty, as directed by President Duterte,” he said.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, for his part, said Moreno should not succumb to corruption if he wants to succeed as mayor.

Atienza, who was once a mayor of Manila, warned Moreno that there are unscrupulous people who will not hesitate to bribe him with money to turn a blind eye on the illegal activities in the city.

“What Moreno is doing is very difficult. In three years, he will look like an old man,” Atienza said in a news forum at Annabel’s restaurant in Quezon City.

Citing his own experience, Atienza believes Moreno’s revelation that there are syndicates who bribed him so not to touch the illegal vendors occupying the streets of the city.

“Let us not deny what is already there. Corruption is the number one reason why we are suffering from urban decay,” he said.

If Moreno becomes successful, Atienza is not discounting the possibility that he can win a national elective post in the future.