Isko vows to appoint officials based on merits, not affiliations

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he would appoint officials based on merits and qualifications — and not political affiliations — if ever he wins the 2022 presidential race.

“It doesn't matter binoto ako, hindi ako binoto. Kaya makikita mo sa city hall marami doon mga lider ng mga iba't ibang pulitiko na pinagkakalap ko kasi based on their galing, sipag at dedikasyon,” he said during the Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews that aired on Saturday.

(It doesn't matter if they voted for me or not. Many officials in the city hall were appointed based on the skills, work ethics and dedication.)

Meanwhile, Moreno said his approach is straightforward when it comes to negotiation, adding that he also listens to the ideas of the people.

“At the end of the day we must meet half way kung merong balakid. Hindi pupuwede matatapos ang araw na wala tayong napagkasunduan, kasi ayoko ng analysis, paralysis. We must do something,” he said.

The Manila mayor said a leader has to be decisive especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we said bibili kami ng gamot, bumili kami ng gamot. It has to be decisive, yes, and I agree with it especially in trying times, ngayong maraming pagsubok at paghihirap ang tao kailangan malaki ang decision at may disposition ang pangulo,” he added.

(When we said we would buy medicine, we bought medicine. It has to be that decisive, yes, and I agree with it especially in these trying times.)

Moreno has opened the Manila Zoo as a vaccination site for minors aged 12 to 17 and senior citizens. He said at least 1,000 individuals would be accommodated per day.

Meanwhile, he also announced that the vaccination drive-thru at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park was open for 24 hours.

The drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site started offering booster shots on Thursday, January 13.

According to Moreno, the city of Manila has sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccines.  —KBK, GMA News