MANILA — Former Manila mayor Isko “Yorme” Moreno has filed his certificate of candidacy, officially joining the 2025 race to reclaim his old post and challenging current mayor Honey Lacuna, his former vice mayor and running mate. Lacuna, who succeeded Moreno as mayor in 2022, confirmed that they discussed his intentions in July, but she made it clear she would be seeking re-election.
Moreno shared that he approached Lacuna with respect, acknowledging her right to run for a second term. The two share a longstanding relationship, as Moreno regards Lacuna’s late father, former Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, as a mentor and a second father.
Joining the race alongside Moreno and Lacuna is Tutok To Win Party-list Representative Sam Verzosa, who emphasized the importance of allowing Manila residents to choose their preferred leader amid rising political discord. Three other candidates, Alvin Avecilla Karingal, Michael Go Say, and Jerry Sindo Garcia, have also filed their candidacies for mayor.
The mayoral contest promises to be a dynamic race, with two former allies now vying to lead Manila through the upcoming election.