Isko Moreno and Manila’s long-awaited bath

In a swift, classy move to impose change, Mayor Isko Moreno commanded the clearing operation of illegal vendors in Divisoria, Blumentritt, and other clogged streets in the city of Manila a few days after he took his oath of office. And he instantly became a whistleblower.

In a statement to the media, he expressed his distaste when, right after assuming his post, certain individuals allegedly attempted to bribe him with some P1 billion a year to leave things as they are, but he refused to do so.

During the campaign period, Moreno promised his fellow Manileños that the “dugyot” image of their city will vanish over time, and that he’d implement strong systems to make his vision a reality. From garbage disposal to trash-to-cash plans—these will be prioritized during his term, he said.

Truth be told, I sensed sincerity and calmness in his words and demeanor even if I’m an outsider.

Manila is the nation’s capital. Who wouldn’t want it to be safe and clean and spotless? I’ve always wondered why transformations never happened to this city in the past. We now have a glimpse of the answers we are seeking in Moreno’s platform of government.

The firetrucks cleansing the filthy sidewalks and roads brought me images of hope for the city and the Philippines as a whole.

In Moreno, it seems we have a former scavenger turned avenger for his people’s ideals and dreams. He doesn’t want to lead a divided city, but a united one for its advancement and authentic metamorphosis.

Mayor Isko Moreno still has a long way to go, but seeing him patiently and lovingly giving his city the decent bath it’s been deprived of for decades is a refreshing start. It’s encouraging to have a visit soon to his part of the Metro.

BENRE J. ZENAROSA
Makati City

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