Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said classes in the nation’s capital, whether physical or online, will continue as scheduled despite planned transport strikes set for September 17–19.
“Oo, tuloy ang eskwela. It cannot be held hostage, eh. Life must go on,” Domagoso told members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Press Club.
The mayor said the city will adopt a policy of “maximum tolerance,” echoing recent instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while preparing support measures for the public throughout the period of heightened demonstrations.
“The city government will provide assistance both to protesters and the police.”
He also said the city government will provide assistance both to protesters and the police, promising that specifics would be announced soon.
“Meron ka kaming gagawing tulong. Oo, tulong ’yan. Makikita niyo ’yun, magugulat kayo, eh. We’ll announce it soon,” he said, noting the aid is intended “for everyone.”
While urging authorities to allow peaceful expression, Domagoso appealed to demonstrators to avoid vandalism and unnecessary damage to public property because the city will have to shoulder clean-up costs, on top of assistance from paint manufacturers.
He warned that repeated destruction would force repeated public spending, urging protesters to consider the practical consequences of vandalism.
“Basta ang pakiusap lang natin ay iwasan lang nila ’yung vandal-vandal.”
“Basta ang pakiusap lang natin ay iwasan lang nila ’yung vandal-vandal. Pwede sila magkabit, magsabit, okay na ’yan,” Domagoso said.
“’Yung mga ini-spray, ipinanghihingi ko, pinangmamalimos ko pa sa Boysen saka sa Davis ’yung pintura,” he added.
