AKSYON Demokratiko presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday displayed the true character of a righteous and fair-minded leader when he stressed to Manileños their constitutional right to choose whoever they think is rightful to lead the country in the May 9 elections.

“Kayo binibigyan ko ng laya, layang katulad ng ginagarantiya ng ating batas. Hindi kayo makararamdam ng pagsikil, hindi kayo makararamdam ng pagpigil, hindi kayo makararamdam ng anumang uri ng pressure.” Moreno told City Hall employees and department heads during the regular flag-raising ceremony.

“Malaya kayong makakapamili. Kung sa tingin niyo mas mabuti ang iba, bagay na dapat niyong sundin ang inyong damdadmin,” the Manila City mayor said.

The 47-year-old local chief executive said that it is his only hope that his constituents and all Filipinos will be guided by God and their own sense of judiciousness in their choice of candidate.

“Kaya sana gabayan kayo ng Diyos sa darating na Lunes. Bigyang liwanag ang inyong kaisipan ng ating Panginoon na pagdating na ng paghahatol ng bayan, maliwanag sana ang ating isipan, hindi punong-puno ng ulap ng kaguluhan at kalituhan. Nawa ang ating mga kababayan, matagpuan ang kanilang hinahanap na kalidad ng isang lider sa darating na Lunes,” Moreno said.

Having said that, the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer urged the people to look not in the past but to look towards the future in contemplating their votes.

Moreno again called on the people to put a stop to the decades-long conflict between the Marcoses and the Aquinos, to vote for a candidate who will give them peace of mind and a chance for a better life.

“Pero ipinagpapaalala ko sa inyong lahat, just be careful because, remember, I have told you a few times, we cannot live in the past. Hindi tayo puwedeng makapamuhay sa nakaraan. Huwag tayong papayag na patuloy tayong hilain paatras ng mga kasaysayan nila,” he said.

Moreno said what happened recently at a posh mall in Makati City where supporters of his rivals Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos had a shouting match is just a preview of what things to come for the country if either one of them becomes president.

“Huwag tayong papayag na magpatuloy ang away ng dalawang kulay. While we respect what happened in 1986, I, for one, and I can only speak for myself, we cannot live in 1986. I can live today in 2022, and work hard for my family, the betterment of my children, our future, your future. You deserve it. Everyone deserves it. Karapatan niyo ‘yon. Makapamuhay sa kasalukuyan para sa kinabukasan,” he said.

If people want equality, inclusivity, and peace of mind under a fair and honest government, one only has to look at Manila to see what kind of leadership he is bringing to the table.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Moreno appointed and even promoted those who were known to have supported his rivals. His social programs also do not distinguish between rich or poor, nor any political color.

“Kasi nakapiring ang aking mga mata. Walang nakitang kulay, walang nakitang nakaraan. I just look forward as far as my eyes can see to bring every Manileño towards that direction. ‘Ni isa wala kayong naramdamang pang-aapi, paghihiganti, o pagbawi,” Moreno pointed out.

But be that as it may, Moreno said he will respect whatever choice they make, as everyone should in a real democracy.

“Magnilay-nilay kayo. Uulitin ko, gusto niyo pula, I love you. Gusto niyo dilaw, I still love you. But if you want peace of mind, I love you more,” he said.

“I hope nakita ninyo sa inyong damdamin, makita ninyo sa inyong kaisipan, ang malinaw na mensaheng gusto kong ipabatid sa inyo sa pamilya niyo, sa mga mahal niyo sa buhay, kaibigan at kakilala. Tuldukan na natin. This is the time. If we miss this, God knows what will happen. But may awa ang Diyos,” Moreno said.