Isko Moreno Domagoso, who is about to return to the position of Mayor of Manila, recently made it clear that combating the chaos of police and law enforcement departments accepting bribes and "protection money" will be one of his top priorities in his new term.
In an interview, Moreno pointed out that the long-standing issues of illegal roadside stalls and unlicensed tricycle operations in Manila are difficult to eradicate. The underlying reason is that some law enforcement officers have formed a "protective umbrella" with criminals, reaping illegal benefits and hindering effective municipal management.
He emphasized, "Cleaning up the streets is not about depriving people of their livelihood, but about relocating vendors and operators to areas that are legal, regulated, and do not obstruct traffic and order." Moreno recalled that he had promoted similar relocation and management policies during his previous term, achieving significant results.
Moreno also named a man nicknamed "Rusty" and his gang, accusing them of extorting "protection money" from vendors three times a day, an act that may be assisted or condoned by some police officers. He warned that the officers involved would face severe disciplinary actions.
"We cannot allow the greed of a few to tarnish the entire city," Moreno firmly stated, calling on citizens to actively report corruption and work together to build a cleaner, fairer Manila.
His firm stance has won the recognition of grassroots vendors and supporters of municipal reform. Currently, Moreno's team is planning areas for concentrated vending and traffic management schemes, aiming to improve the cityscape while considering the livelihood needs of vulnerable groups.
