Isko Moreno vows cash aid for Mambaling fire victims

CEBU, Philippines —  Presidential candidate and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso promised to give roughly P10 million in cash assistance to fire victims in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

He made the promise during his visit yesterday in Sitio Lawis, where 641 houses were gutted by a massive fire Friday evening and 944 families were left homeless.

He said each affected family will get P10,000 in cash aid.

He urged the fire victims, who are now temporarily sheltered at Alaska Elementary School in the said barangay, to use the money for rebuilding their homes and other necessities.

“Sana makapagbigay kami nang konting pagasa na makabalik agad sila, na maramdaman nila na may kapwa Pilipino na nagmamalasakit sa kanila,” he said.

Domagoso said he can relate to the fire victims’ situation as he grew up in the same neighborhood. He lived in the slums of Tondo, Manila during his childhood before rising to stardom and entering politics.

That was why he immediately visited the affected families at the evacuation center to “give them a little relief.”

Moreno was accompanied by Cebu Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, the secretary-general of One Cebu Party.

Meanwhile, when sought for comment on One Cebu’s presidential bet, Garcia opted not to make any comments.

Moreno remains optimistic that he will get backing from the influential One Cebu Party.

“I am asking all kinds of support especially kung akoy matutulungan at mapupusuan nang One Cebu. Ang mga Cebuanos nagkakaisa lage kaya ang dalangin ko na someday matulungan nang One Cebu,” said Moreno.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the founder of One Cebu Party, has yet to endorse national candidates. — KQD (FREEMAN)