Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has dismissed allegations that he has become a political “turncoat” following his recent interactions with the administration.
In a recent interview, Domagoso was asked about his apparent softened stance toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., contrasting with his rhetoric during the 2022 presidential elections.
“Wala hong gano’n,” the mayor clarified. “Aksyon-Demokratiko ho ako, e. At ang tinakbo ko po e mayor.”
Reflecting on the previous national elections, Domagoso acknowledged the outcome and the mandate given to the current President.
“No’ng nagkalaban-laban kami sa pagkapresidente no’ng araw, may mga bagay na nasabi na. Bagama’t ‘yong mga nasabi, ang taumbayan ay nagpasya na. Talo ako, olats. 35 million voted for him [Marcos],” he added.
Domagoso emphasized that he no longer harbors ambitions for a national post. He said that regardless of who holds the presidency in 2028—including Vice President Sara Duterte, former Vice President and now-Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, or Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla—his priority remains city-level cooperation.
“Makikipagtulungan pa rin ako. Kumbaga, generally, I will do the same whoever sits in Malacañang,” Domagoso stated.
The mayor’s remarks came after a joint appearance with the President during the “Biyayang Bigas” event in Manila, a program that provides rice subsidies to workers and vulnerable families in the city.