Isko Moreno eyes to reclaim Manila mayoralty, to challenge ex-running mate Honey Lacuna
MANILA, Philippines — Former Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, more commonly known as Moreno, backtracked on his earlier announcement to retire from politics, filing his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, October 8.
Following his failed presidential bid in the 2022 national elections, Moreno seeks to reclaim the mayoral post from incumbent Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna who is aiming for a second term.
Moreno had previously said in December 2021 that he would leave politics if he did not win the presidency.
"Pahinga na rin. Tapos na ako, I did my share (Time to rest. I’m done, I did my share)," is what the former mayor said.
Running for vice mayor alongside Moreno is Chi Atienza, daughter of former Manila mayor and former Buhay Party-list representative Lito Atienza.
The two will campaign under Aksyon Demokratiko, where Moreno currently serves as president.
Moreno served a single term as Manila’s mayor from 2019 to 2022, succeeding ousted president Joseph Estrada, who held the post for two terms.
Before becoming mayor, the actor turned politician, Moreno, was the city's vice mayor for three terms from 2007 to 2016.
In an ambush interview on Tuesday, Moreno said he was pushed by the calls of people who were telling him to return as Manila City’s mayor.
Should he be elected once again, he said that he would focus first on an in-city vertical housing program by donating three 20-story residences.
To return or not to return?
Supporters of Moreno gathered at Arroceros Forest Park, carrying banners that read, “Bumalik ka na! (Come back now!),” urging the former mayor to return as the city's top official.
This contrasts with the slogan chanted by incumbent Mayor Lacuna's supporters during her filing of candidacy: “Walang magbabalik! (No one will return!).”
When asked about Moreno's sudden decision to run for mayor, Lacuna said she was puzzled by her former running mate’s change of heart in choosing to challenge her.
RELATED: Honey Lacuna wishes 'brother' Isko Moreno 'good luck' as she files her COC
While accompanying Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, 3rd District) during his COC filing on Tuesday, Lacuna was asked again if she still feels betrayed.
She responded that the feeling remains a sentiment shared by her and other candidates from her slate under Asenso Manileño.
“Of course, that is what we all feel after he suddenly turned his back on us,” she said in Filipino.
Moreno was asked for his reaction and said that Lacuna could not be blamed for what she feels.
“While she can't be blamed, the public may feel hurt due to their expectations based on what we have accomplished together,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Moreno and Lacuna’s relationship goes way back to when they ran together for mayor and vice mayor in the 2019 midterm elections under Asenso Manileño, a political party founded by Lacuna’s father in 2005.
Lacuna also expressed that running against Moreno is difficult because they consider each other family.
“For me, it feels heavy because we used to work together, and we consider each other family, so it weighs heavily on both of us,” she said in Filipino.
However, Lacuna said she still believes the residents of Manila City will still choose to vote for her and elect her for a second term, as many have expressed their trust in her leadership.
“Definitely, because while we are going around the city, we can still feel that the people’s support and love are still with us. They believe in my ability to continue serving as their mayor,” she explained in Filipino.
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