Isko Moreno casts vote in Tondo, Manila

After three months of campaigning nationwide, presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno on Monday cast his vote in Manila.

Moreno voted at the Magat Salamat Elementary School in Tondo where he was greeted with cheers by residents.

“Una, salamat sa Diyos… Salamat kasi ligtas tayong lahat at salamat sa Diyos so far, as of this morning, generally peaceful ang election. Meron lang mga areas na nangyari the other day atsaka last night,” Moreno said in an ambush interview.

“We are praying na sana mapayapa ang ending ng election sa lugar na iyon,” he added.

The Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer also extended his gratitude to his volunteers and supporters “who stayed” with him until the elections.

Moreno also urged the public to persevere and vote despite difficulties with vote-counting machines.

“Mga kababayan, tsagain natin. Tutal isang beses lang ito sa anim na taon. At ito ay hindi tungkol sa atin bilang kandidatong presidente o sa amin. Ito’y tungkol sa buhay ninyo, anim na taon na buhay ng anak ninyo, anim na taon ng buhay natin at ng bansa natin,” he said.

The Manila mayor said “peace of mind” can be found at voting centers..

“Napahirap hanapin ng peace of mind. But today, you will find it. Makikita ninyo ‘yan sa polling station ninyo. Tsagain ninyo. Tsagain ninyo. Nakita ko ‘yung hirap ng tao. ‘Yung pila? Init? Tsagain po natin. Onting sakripisyo,” he said.

Moreno also wished his fellow presidential candidates good luck and good health.

Moreno’s running mate, Doc Willie Ong, earlier voted at the Dasmariñas Village Clubhouse in Makati City. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News