The City of Manila is slowly lighting up.

After the formal opening of the newly rehabilitated Jones Bridge last weekend, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso switched on the lights for Taft Avenue, stretching from Pablo Ocampo Street (formerly Vito Cruz) all the way to City Hall.

Not only did he officially turn on the lights, but the mayor also took time to inspect that all lampposts were functioning. He walked along the northbound and southbound lanes of Taft Avenue fronting the Philippine General Hospital.

It is not often that pedestrians and motorists see the city mayor casually walking down the street that they took the opportunity to take selfies with him, as they expressed gratitude for the endeavor.

He noted receiving complaints that some areas of Taft Avenue were so dark in the past years, making them dangerous for pedestrians as criminal elements, such as hold-uppers, snatchers, pickpockets and even kidnappers, have used it for their activities.

“We all know that darkness is every criminal’s ally,” Domagoso said. “We hope that the bright lights will serve as a deterrent to crimes and their perpetrators.”

The mayor said the lampposts are illumined by LED bulbs, making them energy efficient.

He said city funds were used for the acquisition of the LED bulbs, as he appealed to the public to take care that they are not damaged by criminal elements.