By Heidi Nicodemus
Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso had a strong message to government: Let us set aside politics and instead serve the Filipino people.
At a recent media forum in Malate, the ‘rock star’ mayor narrated how he was able to bring a bankrupt Manila back on its feet using sound financial management.
“Ang ginamit kong blueprint para sa pagbangon ng Maynila mula sa malaking financial at budgetary deficit sa mahigit isang taon mula nang magbalik ako bilang alkalde ay simple lang—isang comprehensive financial recovery program,” he revealed.
Domagoso highlighted his administration’s efforts to restore fiscal stability, expand housing, improve healthcare and education, strengthen flood mitigation, enhance child nutrition and promote national unity.
“Wala na kami sa ICU (intensive care unit). Financially speaking, we’re now in the recovery room,” he emphasized while expressing optimism that Manila is on track toward achieving a balanced budget.
Domagoso revealed that while his administration initially inherited ₱10.2 billion in unpaid commercial obligations, a comprehensive financial review later showed the city’s total outstanding liabilities had reached approximately ₱14.6 billion.
The obligations included unpaid accounts with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Manila Water, contractors, suppliers and other service providers.
However, despite the enormous financial burden, Moreno said the city has already settled about ₱7.8 billion of the inherited obligations within a year while continuing to pay its regular loan amortizations with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines.
He described the accomplishment as proof that fiscal discipline and responsible governance can coexist with uninterrupted delivery of public services.
Among the administration’s latest accomplishments, Moreno announced the reopening of the newly renovated Emergency Room of Ospital ng Maynila, restoring one of the city’s most vital frontline healthcare facilities.
The mayor avowed that improving healthcare remains one of his administration’s top priorities, particularly for indigent residents who depend on public hospitals for life-saving medical services.
He also outlined his long-term housing strategy centered on establishing a self-sustaining housing trust fund instead of relying solely on taxpayers’ money. He explained that the initiative became possible through additional revenues generated under the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which increased the share of local government units from national taxes.
Domagoso likewise announced the expansion of the city’s nutrition program, YorMilk 2.0, which originally benefited about 21,000 daycare pupils but to date now covers nearly 60,000 daycare, kindergarten, and Grade 1 students.
He defended the city’s strengthened disciplinary policies in public schools, saying students involved in violent acts, carrying deadly weapons, or committing serious bullying offenses while in school uniform may face expulsion following due process. He stressed that the policy protects the overwhelming majority of students who simply want a safe and peaceful learning environment.
“The right to education comes with responsibility,” he stressed.
In ending, Manila’s chief executive reminded that focus and discipline are the important keys to success so he urged political leaders to set aside partisan conflicts and concentrate on addressing the country’s pressing social and economic challenges.
“I just want peace for our country, kaya nga sa gitna ng maliliit na tagumpay na aming nakamit, nanawagan ako para sa pagkakaisa at sana isantabi na natin ang politika upang maisulong ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Maikli na lamang ang natitirang panahon (kaya) magtulungan tayo para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” he concluded.
