Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying the President’s message clearly underscores the importance of empowering local government units.
In a press statement issued after the President’s address, Domagoso assured the Chief Executive that the City of Manila is ready to repay that trust with results, not promises.
“Ang kumpiyansa ng Pangulo sa lokal na pamahalaan ay pananagutan naming suklian ng resulta, hindi ng pangako,” the mayor said.
“That trust inspires us to work even harder to keep Manila clean and orderly, improve healthcare and education, strengthen peace and order, modernize public infrastructure, and ensure that every peso entrusted to the City Government is spent wisely, transparently, and for the direct benefit of every Manileño,” he added.
Domagoso said the President’s recognition of the indispensable role of LGUs in nation-building reinforces what Manila has always believed, that effective governance begins at the local level.
The Mayor cited four key SONA priorities that directly affect local governments:
1. Increased National Tax Allotment
2. Strengthening financial and administrative capabilities
3. Improving coordination between national agencies and local governments
4. Entrusting LGUs with greater responsibility in delivering public services and implementing development programs
He also welcomed the President’s initiative to address long-standing losses and inefficiencies in the country’s electricity billing system, saying any measure that helps ease unnecessary costs and ensures consumers pay only what is fair is a positive step toward improving the quality of life of every Filipino family.
“Reforms that promote greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the power sector will ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos, including the people of Manila.”
“We thank the President for taking concrete steps to address this concern, as reforms that promote greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the power sector will ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos, including the people of Manila,” Domagoso said.
He left no doubt about how Manila intends to respond to the President’s trust.
“As we move forward, our commitment remains unchanged: less politics, more performance; less rhetoric, more action.”
“As we move forward, our commitment remains unchanged: less politics, more performance; less rhetoric, more action,” Domagoso stressed.
“Through genuine partnership between the national and local governments, we can build a stronger Manila and contribute to a stronger Philippines,” he concluded.
