US Ambassador praises Moreno as product of State Department leadership program

July 12, 2019

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Friday called Manila Mayor Isko Moreno "a total rockstar."

Moreno, a product of US State Department sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program in 2011, had a meeting with Kim at the Office of the Ambassador around 10 am, the Manila City Hall said. 

"We are proud of you being an alumnus. We want to claim that. We have good success in identifying future leaders. That is one of the few that we are proud of," Kim told Moreno. 

Kim also lauded Moreno for his pronouncements on the government's anti-drug campaign. 

Moreno earlier said he supports the government's anti-drug campaign but insisted that human rights of suspected drug offenders will be respected. 

"We appreciate your approach (on the anti-drug campaign). You're dealing with it in a manner that is consistent with human rights and rule of law," the ambassador added. 

Moreno also shared to Kim some policies and plans for the City of Manila. He also told Kim among the many issues he will address during his term, he will focus on resolving chaos in the city. 

"My greatest (fear) is for the people to accept that chaos is the norm in the city," Moreno said.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS