Manila mayor warns political divisions could undermine institutions and hurt ordinary citizens
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Amid escalating political tensions at the national level, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday appealed to the country’s top leaders to set aside partisan conflicts and focus instead on the welfare of the Filipino people.
Speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebration, Domagoso called for sobriety, dialogue, and statesmanship among political leaders, stressing that the nation’s interests should take precedence over party loyalties and political rivalries.
The Manila mayor said the country’s current political climate has become increasingly divisive and warned that prolonged conflict among leaders could ultimately affect government institutions and the public they are sworn to serve.
Domagoso urged national officials from opposing camps to sit down together and identify areas where they can cooperate despite their differences.
He likened the situation to two roads moving directly against each other, saying such a path would only lead to gridlock and uncertainty.
“The Filipino people should be the intersection where our leaders meet,” Domagoso said, emphasizing that public service—not political affiliation—must remain the guiding principle of governance.
He expressed hope that national leaders would find the wisdom to place the interests of the people above partisan considerations and personal disputes.
According to Domagoso, political dysfunction at the national level does not remain confined to government halls but eventually affects ordinary Filipinos, particularly those who depend on public institutions for essential services.
As mayor of the nation’s capital, he said Manila and its residents stand to suffer if government agencies and institutions become distracted by political battles instead of fulfilling their mandates.
“I hope our institutions continue to function effectively because it is the people who bear the consequences when government fails to deliver,” he said.
Framing his remarks within the context of the country’s upcoming Independence Day celebration, Domagoso reminded government workers that the freedoms enjoyed by Filipinos today were won through sacrifice and should not be taken for granted.
He said the best way for public servants to honor the country’s heroes is through honest, efficient, and dedicated service.
The mayor emphasized that independence was achieved at a great cost, paid for by generations of Filipinos who fought and died for the nation.
Despite developments in national politics, Domagoso assured Manileños that City Hall would remain focused on governance and the delivery of basic services.
He said the city government would not allow itself to be distracted by political contests unfolding at the national level, choosing instead to concentrate on programs and services for Manila’s nearly two million residents.
“Our responsibility is clear. We will continue serving the people of Manila with dedication and sincerity while others resolve their political differences,” Domagoso said.
As the nation prepares to commemorate its independence, the mayor’s message underscored a broader appeal for unity, reminding leaders that political differences should never outweigh their shared obligation to serve the Filipino people.
ia/xf
