Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday addressed criticisms of his recent tirade against Vice President Leni Robredo, saying that he was only being straightforward in answering questions on politics and governance.
Moreno, who is running for president in the 2022 elections, drew flak for using the pejorative "yellowtard" when he commented on the vice president's reasoning for seeking the presidency -- to prevent the return of the Marcoses in Malacañang.
"If I offended them, I'm sorry. I'm no angel, but definitely I'm not a devil," Moreno told ANC in an interview, addressing his supporters who may have been turned off by his words.
"I don't like sugarcoating in a challenging time. This is not about Mister of Miss Congeniality or Mister Universe, this is about the lives of our people," he added.
Moreno said governance should not be about pleasing people, but about achieving results. It's the brand of leadership he employed as mayor of Manila, he added.
"Sometimes it may be offending, but it doesn't mean to offend. It's just that when you are being confronted with a question, when you answer it directly, it doesn't mean bastos ka na, it doesn't mean magaspang ka na," he said.
"If there is a problem at buhay at kabuhayan ng tao ang nakasalalay, more than political shenanigans, dapat straightforward," he added.
Despite the criticisms he received for his rants against Robredo, Moreno said he did not regret anything he said, as he was just being honest in answering questions.
Members of his slate are also free to express their own opinion, he added, including senatorial aspirant Samira Gutoc who admitted that she was angered by the Manila mayor's remarks.
"When you claim na na-off sila, if they are really my supporters, they are my supporters, they believe in me maybe. Kaya siguro naniwala sila sa akin dahil ganito ako, may direksyon," he said.
"Fact-based, results matter. And that's how things get done in life, in governance. It is not about pleasing your ears in governance, it's about service, tangible service na nararamdaman ng tao," he added.
MORE ON ISKO MORENO:
Isko Moreno, Eyeing Presidency, Wants Millennials in Government
How a President Isko Moreno Will Address Corruption in Government
Mayor Isko Tells VP Leni: It's Not All About Aquino-Marcos Feud
Is Star Power Enough to Make a Senator Tulfo, President Isko?
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