Isko Moreno seeks Manila mayoralty return, challenges Lacuna

Former Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has filed his certificate of candidacy to run again for mayor, challenging the incumbent Honey Lacuna.

Moreno previously stated his intention to retire from politics if he lost the 2022 presidential election, but cited public clamor and the supposed lack of benefits under Lacuna's administration as reasons for his comeback bid.

He is running under the Aksyon Demokratiko party with Chi Atienza, daughter of former Mayor Lito Atienza, as his vice mayoral candidate.

Moreno also expressed a desire to correct claims that Manila is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

He stated that he had discussed his plans with Lacuna, who was his running-mate in 2019, but prioritized the needs of the Manileños.

Lacuna denied Moreno's claims regarding the supposed lack of benefits for the city's senior citizens, stating that allowances are officially released.

Domagoso has formally launched his mayoralty bid on Tuesday, the last day of filing candidacies as mandated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Should he win, Domagoso said he will work on reconciliation with his former political families who are currently his main rivals in the 2025 election, recalling his practice of extending friendship even after contested elections.

He added that even during his administration, he worked with department heads who were appointed by previous administrations.

Regarding a recent viral video of incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna shouting "wag ka ng bumalik," Moreno suggested she might have been carried away by her followers' chants.