DURING a coffee chat with some Ilonggos, the topic was young city mayors.
Manila’s Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has caught the attention of the Filipino nation. He displays political will. Yes, it can happen if the leader wants it to happen.
The young Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City and Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan are also making headlines.
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“It needed a basurero to understand and get the real feel of what it is to have a clean and orderly Manila,” said an engineer sipping cappuccino.
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“The Filipinos were initially shocked but eventually impressed. Mayor Isko is doing his thing with a sense of humor. No one expected him to be a hands-on leader but he surprised everyone. Mayors in other cities were just as surprised,” shared a lawyer.
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“Oh, I hope this happens to the entire country. Other mayors fear losing their constituents’ votes,” butted in a retired councilor.
Indeed, some mayors are too beholden to their abusive constituents, thereby failing to institute reforms in their areas.
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Even President Digong has expressed dismay over this type of local government leaders. He ordered the clearing of roads and highways in the hope of disciplining lazy local leaders.
“Have you heard mayors reluctantly ordering the clearing of roads and sidewalks? They tell their constituents they are doing it because the President told them so. They are making the President their scapegoat to escape the ire of their constituents,” lamented a retired teacher.
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“Only President Duterte can make these lazy politicos sweep the floor and clean their backyards. We are happy that we have a no-nonsense national leader who can knock down the high and mighty in this abusive democratic country. Matapang sya,” added the retired teacher.
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This column greets Matin Arandez, Kim Martin Jimenez, Evelyn Moriente, Danny Dangcalan, Rodel Parcon, Francis Velez, Jonathan Lobaton, Elsie Gonzaga, Tata Lacson, Tina Gurrea-Lacson, Dial Jardeleza, Ronnie Gabalda, Natalie Lim, Cleofe Albiso, Nico Velasquez, Jo Guevarra, and Mary Ann Pastrana./PN
