Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said Wednesday he be more open to criticism and suggestions and welcome anyone in his administration regardless of their connections as he sought to address corruption in government should he get elected as president in 2022.
Moreno, who formally announced his bid for the presidency, said he would apply the policies he started as Manila mayor if he becomes president next year.
"I do not run on promises, I run on prototypes," the presidential aspirant said during the launching of his candidacy.
"While I believe in the power of example, I also recognize the need for constant innovation. I may not give you perfect government but together we can make it better," he added.
Moreno said Manila's open governance policy, where citizens are free to give suggestions to the officials, will be a centerpiece of his plan of government for next year.
"I will welcome criticism because the value in listening to complaints is that they lead to better policies and improve services. I believe people should speak truth to power rather than for power to threaten the people for speaking the truth," he added.
Moreno also promised to form the "broadest form of government" with people whom he consider as the "best and brightest," and they don't necessarily have to come from Manila, or from his own circle.
"Leaders should not only think outside of the box, he must also choose people outside his circle. A leader who does not inspire the best among us to serve in government ends up surrounded by the least of among us who are ruining the gov't instead of running it well," he said.
Competence, not connection, will also be the primary consideration in designating government officials in his administration, Moreno said. He also assured that erring officials will be immediately fired.
"Kung ano mang anomalya, hindi ko kukunsintihin, sapagkat ang mali kapag ikinubli at hindi tinama, bayan ang papasan ng perwisyong dulot nito," he said.
"Hindi ko pagtatakpan ang katotohanan, neither will I manufacture opinion or false phrases. But when assaulted with lies, I believe the truth, not the trolls, will set you free," he added.
Moreno is running for president with medical professional Dr. Willie Ong as his vice presidential running mate. The Manila mayor recently joined and was elected president of the Aksyon Demokratiko party, who vowed support to him should he seek the presidency.
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