Heated race for Manila mayor looms in 2025

MANILA, Philippines —  An intense rivalry for the seat of Manila mayor is expected in the May 2025 midterm elections.

Three candidates could be top contenders: Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, her one-term predecessor Isko Moreno as well as congressman and businessman Sam Verzosa.

Lacuna declared that she would sustain social amelioration programs. 

Senior citizens’ monthly cash allowance will be doubled to P1,000 from P500 in January next year, based on an ordinance signed by Lacuna.

She was Moreno’s vice mayor from 2019 to 2022.

Moreno, who lost his presidential bid in 2022, said he would continue the programs he had started such as socialized housing and improved social services.

Lacuna and Moreno have been at odds over their mayoralty bids.

Lacuna has said she felt betrayed by Moreno’s plan to return as the city’s top executive.

Moreno cited alleged lapses in social services under Lacuna, which caused frustration among residents.

Verzosa, meanwhile, has vowed to provide livelihood opportunities for Manila indigents.

He is the party-list representative of Tutok to Win and co-founder of multilevel marketing firm Frontrow.

Other aspirants for Manila mayor are actor Raymond Bagatsing, Mahra Lorraine Cator Tamondong of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan and Michael Say of Ilocano Defenders as well as independent candidates Enrico Ferrer Ocampo, Ervin Stewart Koa Tan, Enrico Docot Reyes, Alvin Karingal and Jerry Garcia.

The local Commission on Elections has yet to be notified of the final list of candidates in the city, according to acting Manila District 1 election officer Marijune Uriarte.