Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso (File photo)
MANILA -- Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Tuesday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte's leadership and type of governance inspired him to strive hard in reforming his city.
This, after Duterte praised Domagoso for his resolve to clean the city and implement its ordinances.
"Thank you for the kind words, Mr. President, but to be really honest, isa po kayo sa mga naging inspirasyon ko sa kung ano mang klase ng liderato na meron kami," Domagoso said in a text message to media late Tuesday night.
During an event in Malacañang Tuesday night, Duterte said he was impressed by Domagoso which made him listen to the local official's speeches.
Since he assumed office, Domagoso had earned a huge following and heaped praises for his sustained efforts to clean the city.
Prior to becoming president, Duterte served as mayor of Davao, a city known to strictly implement its ordinances.
Domagoso shared that whenever he was in Davao City, he never smoked for fear of getting caught.
He also shared that in one of his trips from Tagum City in Davao del Norte going back to Davao City, he saw how the locals followed traffic rules.
"Medyo disoras na ng gabi, pero biglang bumagal po ang takbo ng sasakyan namin so tinanong namin ‘yung driver kung bakit. Simple lang 'yung sagot nya: Kasi po nasa Davao City na tayo. Kahit gabi ho dito, may pulis man o wala, sumusunod kami sa batas trapiko (It was late in the night, but our driver drove slower and we asked him why. His answer was simple: We're already in Davao City. We follow traffic rules here even at night whether police are around or not," Domagoso said.
"So, I think kung ano man ang nakikita nating pagpupursige ng mga alkalde sa buong Pilipinas, hindi lang po ako, ay reflection lamang ng klase ng liderato at pangulo na meron tayo (the diligence of all the mayors in the Philippines, not only me, is only a reflection of the kind of leadership and president we have. So we owe it to you Mr. President, for inspiring us and for becoming a good example to all of us)," Domagoso said. (PNA)
