Rappler Talk: Isko Moreno on remaking Manila

MANILA, Philippines – It’s a new day for Manila residents as they elected Isko Moreno as their next mayor.

Moreno, who described his incoming mayoralty as “blooming and energetic,” had promised Manileños the moon and the stars after he toppled the political giant Joseph Estrada.

Mayor-elect Moreno wants to implement a “social amelioration program” that would provide pension for senior citizens, allowance for students, and nutrition assistance to the sick and hungry.

Outside homes, Moreno wants to clean up the city, after seeing its waterways choked by muck and its streets littered with trash. Trust him, he said, because he was a former garbage man. (WATCH: Isko Moreno, Batang Tondo)

Beyond the cleanup, Moreno is eyeing the development of the capital which has been left behind by its neighboring cities.

He plans to build ambitious infrastructure, including a street vendors’ commercial strip in Divisoria seen to decongest traffic in the country’s bargaining capital, vertical in-city housing, and the creation of a green city that would rival Taguig’s BGC and Subic’s Clark.

Can he remake Manila? Rappler’s Rambo Talabong sits down with Moreno to discuss his rise and his plans for the future of the country’s capital city. Tune in to Rappler at 5 pm on Saturday, May 18. – Rappler.com

Before this interview’s broadcast, our Rappler PLUS members can have a quick chat with Mayor-elect Isko Moreno and Rappler reporter Rambo Talabong, sending questions and getting an idea on what will be discussed. You too can participate in our pre-airing chat sessions by joining Rappler PLUS today.