MANILA Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno yesterday said he does not regret his remarks during the Easter Sunday press conference wherein he called on Vice President Leni Robredo to withdraw from the presidential race in the May 9 elections.
Moreno, who has since doubled down on his attacks on Robredo and her supporters, calling them “bullies,” said he is the type of person who will stand by his word and not regret saying anything even if it is not comfortable with others as long as it is the truth.
“I never regret saying anything. Kapag ako nagbukas ng bibig, ‘yon pinaniniwalaan ko (When I open my mouth, that’s what I believed in). I may not be right all the time, I may not be an angel but I’m no devil,” Moreno told reporters in an ambush interview.
Presidential aspirants Sen.Panfilo Lacson and former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales, who joined Moreno in the Easter Sunday press conference, did not support Moreno’s call against Robredo.
In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Moreno slipped to No. 4 in the voter preference for president, his rating down to 4 percent from 8 percent. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who had been consistently behind Moreno in past surveys, moved up to No. 3.
Moreno, however, said he does not believe the result of the Pulse Asia survey showing him lose support in all classes, including among poorest Filipinos. He has been counting on the support of poorest Filipinos to win the presidential race.
“They are entitled to their opinion, but I don’t know how far (is that) from the truth. There must be something wrong,” he said.
Last Monday, Aksyon Demokratiko national chairperson Ernest Ramel Jr. said he could not believe that support for Moreno has faltered considering the enthusiastic welcome he and his team are receiving in their campaign sorties.
Moreno urged the people anew not to look in the past but to look to the future in contemplating their votes come May 9.
He also reiterated his call for the people to put a stop on the decades-long conflict between the “yellows and the reds” and to vote for a candidate who will give them peace of mind and a chance for a better life.
“We should not allow their rivalries to continue. While we respect what happened in 1986, I for one, and I can only speak for myself, we cannot live in 1986. I can live today in 2022, and work hard for my family, the betterment of my children, our future, your future. You deserve it. Everyone deserves it,” he added.
