Catholic prelates positive of good ties with new Manila mayor

This, after officials of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other prelates, met with incoming Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday morning. (File Photo: Isko Moreno Domagoso/Facebook)

MANILA — Catholic priests are looking forward to having a good relationship with the new leadership of the city of Manila.

This, after officials of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other prelates, met with incoming Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday morning.

“I could see that he is enthusiastic to do his work and do it well and he is willing to dialogue,” said Manila Auxillary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity, in an interview on Wednesday.

“It is a good start and hopefully continues to be so,” Pabillo said.

He noted that the meeting was a simple one.

“It was a simple courtesy call to me and some priests of Manila. I cannot say much because I had to leave early. I think the priests presented their particular concerns to him,” Pabillo said.

The Catholic prelate also expressed support for Moreno’s plan to keep the city green by preserving Manila Zoo and Arroceros Park.

“Yes, he said he is for greening Manila. Yes, he said he will keep Arroceros Park. It is a welcome view. We need more trees and plants to fight climate change,” he added.

Earlier, the local chief executive said that he will not allow any construction on the park, the so-called last lung of the City.

Earlier, outgoing mayor Joseph Estrada planned to construct a gymnasium inside the park.

The park measures some 2.2 hectares with over 3,000 trees and 8,000 ornamental plants.