“Despite any political circumstances, I remain ‘Ate Honey’ to Isko because in Manila, love of family endures.”
ito ang naging madamdaming pahayag ni Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna bilang reaksiyon sa mga ulat na plano umano siyang kalabanin sa pagka-alkalde ni dating Mayor Isko Moreno sa halalan sa susunod na taon. Magugunitang si Moreno ay naging alkalde sa tulong ng ama ni Lacuna at partidong itinatag nito, ang Asenso Manileno.
Sa isang pahayag nitong Miyerkules, sinabi ni Mayor Honey na para sa kanya, bagamat itinakda na ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang panahon ng paghaharin ng certificates of candidacy mula Oktubre 1 hanggang 8, 2024, para sa mga tatakbo sa May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), ay hindi pa rin ito panahon para sa politika.
“So, the truth is, it’s not yet the time for politics. It’s a time to prioritize the needs of our people,” ayon sa alkalde.
Aniya, nananatili ang kanyang pangunahing prayoridad sa ngayon ay ang pangalagaan at pagsilbihan ang mga Manilenyo, bilang alkalde ng lungsod.
“This focus will remain until the filing of candidacies and beyond, if the trust of Manila in our leadership continues,” dagdag pa nito.
Bilang reaksiyon sa ulat na tatakbo din si Isko sa darating na halalan, sinabi ng alkalde na: “Tanggap ko ang realidad ng pulitika. Batid ng mga Manileño na bago pa man mabuo ang tambalang Isko-Honey noong 2019 elections at mula pa noong nabubuhay pa ang aking ama at Asenso Manileño founder Danilo Lacuna Sr., turingang magkapatid na ang panata namin ni Isko sa isa’t -isa.”
“On my part, that commitment remains as my sibling love for him has not changed. In my heart, I am confident that we are both dedicated to serving the Manileños,” saad pa niya.
“Thus, I am giving my dear brother, former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, time to reconsider his plans. He still has time to reflect on his decision. As his Ate in public service, I am here to guide him,” pahayag pa nito.
Ginunita rin ni Mayor Honey na noong nakaraang kampanya, mismong si Isko, kasama ang mga Manilenyo ay nagtiwala sa kanyang kakayahan bilang kauna-unahang babaeng alkalde ng Maynila.
“I acknowledge that the upcoming election in Manila will be a test for the Manileños to weigh my character, leadership, service, and vision for Manila. This is part of our commitment to democratic principles. We are here not for personal ambition but for the welfare of the Manileños and the honor of our nation, represented by Manila as its capital,” aniya.
“I respect the decision of former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, while also acknowledging that he still has time to reconsider his plans. I will continue working for Manila because the Manileños are my top priority,” dagdag pa ni Mayor Honey.
