2022 presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso insists that Dr. Willie Ong is still his vice-presidential partner-even though he campaigned in Mindanao with those promoting the Isko-Sara Duterte tandem.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, is the vice-presidential candidate of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Ako po, Isko-Doc Willie. Period,” Domagoso clarified in an interview with the media, Tuesday.
“‘Yung mga organisasyon na kanya-kanya… as a candidate hindi naman natin mapipigilan ang mga choices ninyo [na iboto ang hindi magkapartido sa highest positions] kasi hindi naman tayo two-party system katulad ng Estados Unidos na kapag binoto ang presidente, panalo na ang vice president.”
“In the case of Doc Willie and I, kami talaga. Straight forward, Isko-Doc Willie.”
Domagoso’s campaign manager Lito Banayo first said that he talked to Willie Ong not to join the campaign sorties in Mindanao this week, especially since some groups pair the Manila mayor with Duterte-Carpio, who is from Davao.
Isko Moreno insists Willie Ong was still his VP
All this was happening even on Saturday when Domagoso said he hoped the ruling PDP-Laban party of Digong, Inday Sara’s father, would endorse him. However, the PDP-Laban has not even supported the presidency so far.
“Ayaw namin siyang mapahiya [sa Mindanao]. If you’re true to your partner [hindi mo ‘yun gagawin], baka maalanganin ka lang. Kasi may iba naman silang [organizers] preferred candidate, which is sila naman ang nag-host, sila naman ang gumastos, sila naman ang tumulong,” Domagoso added.
“I’m grateful to Doc Willie, talagang naniniwala siya sa akin, in the same manner, naniniwala rin ako kay Doc Willie.”
Domagoso, on the other hand, called on the public to get to know his comrade better under the Aksyon Demokratiko party before the election. Ong is known for his various health tips posted on multiple social media platforms and was defeated in the senatorial seat in the 2019 midterm elections.
On Monday, Dr. Willie Ong posted his video statement on Facebook regarding the “mix and match” issue while thanking his supporters. However, he said he would continue his candidacy.