Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua has told former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso to “move on” after the latter lashed out at him over alleged illegal demolition and construction works in the capital city.
“Tapos na po ang election, dapat mag-move on na po tayo,” Chua said in a virtual press briefing on Friday, August 22.
Domagoso earlier slammed his former ally, accusing him of failing to secure proper permits for the demolition of structures at Alvarez Street corner Avenida in Barangay 334, and for the subsequent construction activities in the area.
Chua clarified the projects involve a community center with dialysis facilities and a halfway house. However, he neither confirmed nor denied whether permits were secured.
“Ito pong proyektong to nagsimula po nung 2020 pa. Hindi pa po ako ang congressman noon. At that time, ang congressman po dito ay si dating vice mayor, vice mayor Yul Servo, kung saan mayroon din pong proyekto na itutuloy dyan. Kaya lang ito po ay foundation lamang, hindi po naituloy dahil nagkulang po ng pondo,” Chua explained.
He noted that Domagoso himself was mayor at the time.
“At that time mayor po siya at pinayagan po niya. So hindi ko po alam na kung bakit ngayon ay sinasabi niyang iligal ito,” he added.
Chua further argued that Domagoso is targeting the wrong person.
“Ito po dapat ang tinatahulan niya ay ang DPWH at hindi po kami. Wala na po sa kamay namin,” the lawmaker said, stressing that congressmen can only endorse projects based on constituents’ requests.
For Chua, Moreno’s tirade was nothing but a publicity stunt.
“Ang nakikita ko po dito ay PR (public relations) stunt,” he said.
“Wala ata siyang malagay sa vlog content niya eh,” he added.
Chua even threw shade at Moreno’s showbiz background.
“Daldal pa nang daldal to eh tapos na ang palabas. Akala po niya siguro ay nasa pelikula pa siya,” he quipped.
As of now, Domagoso has yet to respond to Chua’s fresh tirades.