Exciting days ahead are expected in the city of Manila as it enters another unique era— that of having a lady mayor, another first in the city’s already rich history.
The fact that Mayor Honey Lacuna won overwhelmingly against her political rivals only goes to show that Manilans did not buy the ugly politicking waged by her foes.
The black propaganda and fake news directed at Mayor Honey did not only fail to work. It boomeranged so hard that it hit those behind them right between the eyes.
As part of the past and present administration, I can assure that all the benefits being enjoyed by the less-privileged sectors of Manila will continue to be given.
The city government was forced to put these benefits on hold during the campaign period after one of Mayor Honey’s rivals questioned the release of the said benefits, consisting of monthly cash allowances for senior citizens, university students, persons with disability and solo parents.
For the longest time, the local government of Manila had been giving such benefits regularly under the city’s social amelioration program.
In what is the exact opposite of a ‘knight in shining armour,’ Mayor Honey’s opponent questioned the said benefits in an effort to make unnecessary noise and a desperate attempt to tarnish the good intentions of the city. Worse, the said opponent had done nothing for Manilans specially at the height of the pandemic, even as he claims to be a true-blue Manilan.
We are fully aware that this opponent of hers is determined in pursuing his favorite hobby of sowing intrigues and engaging in smear campaign without any letup.
I say we are ready and are confident that the people of Manila will continue to reject him, because they know that Mayor Honey is worth their votes.
Mayor Honey, after all, is no ordinary woman. She brings with her an untarnished public service track record which she built over the years, or for nearly three decades already.
Foremost a mother and a doctor, Mayor Honey began her career as a public servant when she served as a doctor in public hospitals providing free medical services. She went on to become head of the city government’s department of social welfare, until she became the vice mayor.
She was also the first woman to have become majority floorleader in the Manila City Council, composed of 38 aldermen representing the six districts of Manila.
As vice mayor, she concurrently headed the Manila City Council as its Presiding Officer.
Her concurrent positions gave Mayor Honey the chance to become highly-instrumental in the success of the programs initiated by Mayor Isko Moreno.
For those who are not aware, there are some projects which require the nod of the Manila City Council. Whenever such is the case, Mayor Honey would readily summon the councilors and work on the speedy passage of whatever ordinances are needed to get the city projects started in no time.
Mayor Honey has vowed not to fail Manilans, Mayor Isko and most especially her father, my good buddy, former Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna. I am certain she will keep her word.
Let us all support and help her realize her own dreams for the city. The success of her administration will be the success of Manila and its residents as well.
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