Mayor Isko apologizes for lack of Christmas decors in Manila, says he has to prioritize services, debts payment

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso apologized to Manileños over the lack of Christmas decors, particularly Christmas lanterns (parol) in the streets of Manila on Monday, Nov. 24, as he explained he had to prioritize the allocation of funds for social aid and the payment of debts left behind by the previous administration.

- By PATRICK GARCIA

"Pasensiya na kayo, ha? Wala akong ilalagay na parol sa buong Maynila. Pagpasensiyahan n'yo na ako, eh kasi that would cost P14 million. Eh, ayaw ko namang makapamuhay nang marangya tapos magdadahilan ako sa inyo ng 'nganga' (I'm sorry, but I won't put up any parols in the city of Manila because that would cost P14 million. I don't want us to live a luxurious life and then make excuses to you after that there's no funds left in the city)," Domagoso explained.

"Pero hindi ibig sabihin nung walang parol, ay walang Pasko. Basta ang importante sa Pasko, nandyan ang pamilya natin (But that doesn't mean no parol, no Christmas. What matters the most is that we are with our families)," he added.