President Rodrigo Duterte deserves credit for the success of the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.

Despite their differences, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso praised Duterte for steering the national government’s commendable vaccination drive.

“Pangamba at takot sa impeksyon, pangamba at takot sa hanapbuhay, dahil dito, nagdulot ito ng konting pagkakalito (Apprehension and fear of the infection, worry and fear in employment. These caused a bit confusion) but life must go on. We give credit where credit is due,” he said in an interview during his tour of markets here on Friday.

“Totoo naman kapuri-puri yung ginawa ni Pangulong Duterte at ng IATF (What President Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force did is indeed admirable),” he added.

The current administration is not perfect but Domagoso said President Duterte listens to the public and corrects the mistakes of officials.

“May mga bagay na di perpekto. Pero as long as nakikinig ‘yung leader doon sa talbog o pagkakadapa ng kanyang mga tao at ikino-correct naman niya (There are things that are not perfect. But as long as the leader listens and corrects the mistakes), that’s what you call learning the lesson and moving forward,” he said.

Domagoso cited the face shield policy which he contradicted in support of the public’s cry of added expense.

“Nakita mo naman, dininig ni President Duterte ‘yung request ng taumbayan. Ako, in-echo ko lang naman (President Duterte listened to the request of the public. Me, I just echoed) what the public wanted,” he said.

The 47-year-old presidential aspirant said criticisms are necessary in public service but they must be based on public interest, not on political colors.

Domagoso said history will judge President Duterte and how he fulfilled his promises to Filipinos.

“He’s right. Nagawa niya ‘yung dapat niya magawa kung ano man yung pinangako niya (He did what he has promised). ‘Yung history will judge him, not me. History will also judge me as mayor of the city of Manila later on. For now, as far as we’re concerned, he’s still the President. He will do his part. As for me, as mayor, I’ll do my part,” he said.

He said that if he is lucky enough to become President, he will implement a “fine, prudent, and efficient” government.

Domagoso also visited the jewelry and tannery industries in the province with his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, paid a courtesy call on Governor Daniel Fernando and other local officials, and met with homeowners association members at the capitol’s gymnasium. (PNA)