'Amoy tae!' Isko Moreno laments state of Bonifacio Monument

SORRY SIGHT. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno laments the sorry state of the Bonifacio Monument only a few feet from city hall. Photo from Manila Public Information Office

The city of Manila has become a dumping ground – literally.

After a week in office, newly-elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno visited the Bonifacio Monument only a few steps from the capital city's seat of power and found that the public had made it an open toilet. The air around it reeked as poop covered spots on the ground where the hero's monument stood.

"Sa tabi mismo ng opisina ng alkalde (Right beside the office of the mayor) – that window is the office of the mayor," Moreno said pointing to Manila City hall, "That is the office of the mayor, the seat of power of Manila, tapos ito amoy tae rito, nagkalat, ito sariwa pa, o (and here it smells of poop scattered all around, this one is even fresh)."

For Moreno, the sorry sight showed the challenge of governing the city which has become one of the poorest and dirtiest in the country due to years of neglect and corruption.

"How can we govern? Ayan opisina ng mayor mga singkwentang hakbang lang (There's the office of the mayor, only some 50 steps away)," Moreno said.

Moreno has been carrying our surprise visits to the city's landmark sites to inspect its conditions. During the campaign period, the former garbage collector vowed he would clean up Manila. (READ: 'Wala nang mayor na natutulog sa Maynila' – Isko Moreno)

Upon seeing the site and even stepping on some poop, Moreno then recommended to Manila Police District Chief Vicente Danao the relief of Lawton police community precinct commander Police Lieutenant Rowel Robles.

Moreno has been making headlines for his clearing operations across the capital city, which observers have considered his biggest accomplishment so far. (READ: Isko Moreno's clearing operations: Which Manila areas have been covered?) – Rappler.com