Manila mayor information candidacy for Philippines presidency By Reuters

MANILA (Reuters) – Manila Metropolis mayor Francisco Domagoso registered to run for the presidency of the Philippines on Monday, touting himself as a unifying candidate of humble beginnings who can heal an economic system and livelihoods broken by the pandemic.

Domagoso, 46, a former actor, is the second contestant to enroll in the Might 2022 election https://reut.rs/3B7c5Kg to steer the Philippines for the subsequent six years, after newly retired boxing icon Manny Pacquiao https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-kicks-off-election-season-under-pandemic-cloud-2021-09-30.

“We’re too divisive and indecisive that brought on the stunting of our economic system on prime of the pandemic,” mentioned Domagoso, recognized higher for his celeb display screen title, Isko Moreno, after submitting his candidacy.

“Allow us to heal our nation and collectively there will likely be higher future for every one in every of us.”

Domagoso’s charisma and humble roots have made him common in Manila, however consultants say he may wrestle to win over voters in southern provinces.

He earlier led a flag-raising ceremony at Manila metropolis corridor and supplied a prayer at a church in a neighborhood the place he grew up as a rubbish collector from the town slums. Dozens greeted the mayor close to the submitting venue.

Domagoso was noticed by a expertise scout whereas attending a funeral and have become a matinee idol in a well-liked selection present earlier than shifting to roles in additional mainstream movies.

He was elected Manila mayor in 2019. He ran unsuccessfully for senator in 2016, after 9 years as Manila’s vice mayor.

His operating mate for the vice presidency – a separate contest – will likely be Willie Ong, a health care provider adopted on Fb (NASDAQ:) by 16 million customers, who faucet his free medical recommendation.

President Rodrigo Duterte on the weekend mentioned he would retire and never contest the vice presidency as earlier agreed, however his daughter, Sara, would run for president.