ALMOST every day in the past few weeks, there would be bits of stories about the famous Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. The media and netizens can't seem to get enough of his colorful character as he started to clean up his city with nothing but political will. His popularity has reached a new high -- even overshadowing the popularity and good looks of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora.
More viewers are watching his interviews and take note of his revived jargon from the 80s and 90s now dubbed as "iskonaryo." Some entrepreneurs got inspired by the mayor's colloquial words and took advantage by producing shirts using Moreno's street slang as printed designs. His peculiar but natural way of speaking has put him in advantage to reach his target community such as street vendors and informal settlers to make them understand with the hope of peacefully complying with his strict policies.
ManileƱos may have an idea of what leader Domagoso might become but many were surely surprised by the overwhelming impact of his efforts which polarized the nation within just a few days after taking office. World leaders and envoys started to notice the Lee Kuan Yew-like moves of the new Manila mayor and pay a courtesy visit and some leaders from the US and Singapore offered assistance to help Domagoso make Manila a "smart city."
It's becoming a daily search for noypi followers to learn what's new with their lodi yorme. And while the nation praises his deeds, the National Government has been prompted to take cue from him. Hence, the DILG issued a memo to the LGUs.
Isko Moreno revived the 2016 momentum of President Rodrigo Duterte. He's actually making his colleagues look bad by exposing them that they're not doing their jobs as mayors. In third-world countries like the Philippines, where there are times when rules don't seem to matter, Isko has given us hope again that the change we all want may still happen.
Lucky are the mayors for having the opportunity to shine and take this extremely challenging task to replicate Domagoso's clearing efforts. Suddenly, more and more mayors are active on posting clearing operations on Facebook. Isko made a strong first step. It's up to our local leaders to sustain.
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Kuya J Pelayo IV is the president of Metro Angeles City Journalists Association Inc. and the president of Pampanga-Tarlac Energy Press Corps. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com