Iloilo City – Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday urged the public to respect President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to back out from the Senate race.

“It’s surprising simply because the President already made known his intention to run for senator. But again, I respect his decision or anybody for that matter who will withdraw kasi choices rin naman nila ‘yan,” Moreno told reporters at the Madge Café near the La Paz Public Market here.

Moreno earlier wished Senator Bong Go a peaceful life after the long-time close aide of President Duterte formally withdrew his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for president.

“Again, life must go on. We must continue to work hand in hand with the President because he will be President up to June 30. There are policies and programs na pwede naming mapagtulungan lalo na ‘yung National Vaccination Program na medyo naantala lamang dahil sa bagyo. But be it as it may, we will continue to support the President,” Moreno said.

When asked by the media if he is still optimistic that President Duterte will support him in his presidential bid, Moreno is still hopeful that the chief executive will vote for him on May 9, 2022.

“Sana maiboto niya ako kasi he is still a voter, one vote din ‘yun. Sana maboto rin niya ang mga kandidato ko. As a candidate you would always wish and hope na maboto ka nga tao. For each and every vote matters,” Moreno pointed out.

Aside from running-mate Dr. Willie Ong, also present during the breakfast conference with media are senatorial bets Samira Gutoc of Marawi City, Dr. Carl Balita of Oriental Mindoro and Jopet Sison of Quezon City.

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