Manila Mayor Isko Moreno gets full support from the Duterte administration.
On Thursday, July 11, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade visited the Manila Mayor at the City Hall for a meeting between Moreno, officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), MARINA, PPA and representatives of JICA.
In the photo published by the Manila Public Information Office, it was shown Tugade and Moreno hugging each other.
While talking to the media, Tugade praised his former colleague for doing a great job for handling Manila City, saying that he would get the full support of the Duterte administration.
“Bumulong ako sa kanya at sinabi ko: ‘Boss, wag kang bibitaw. Nandirito kami at nandirito ang pamahalaang Duterte, nandirito ang Kagawaran ng Transportasyon. Wag kang bibitaw,'” he told reporters.
Moreno as a response was glad that he was visited by someone close to the President.
“Words inspire people but actions speak louder than words. This is just a way of appreciating because I’ve been asking for help and the first secretary who went here, Cabinet, you know he is representing the President technically speaking,” Moreno said.
“So his visit here, it’s something I am happy about. It’s touching,” he added.
Moreno gained the attention of the netizens because of his successful cleanup operations around the major streets of Manila. He even captured the attention of the Duterte administration.
On July 7, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año also praised Moreno for doing his job.
“Manila is the showcase of the Philippines. It is the first place foreigners see when they come to our country, so I’m pleased that in the first weeks of his administration, Mayor Isko has already shown that the challenges of the city are not insurmountable and can be addressed with political will and commitment,” Año said.
“Our young leaders can count on our support to implement their good governance agenda. That is why the DILG is here. We are not only your supervisors, we are also your partners and mentors, your guidance counselors and your cheerleaders. Your success is our success as well,” he added.