Moreno reclaims Manila, calls for healing after landslide win

Metro Manila, Philippines - Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will return to city hall after a landslide victory in the recently concluded elections against the incumbent mayor, Honey Lacuna Pangan.

The city board of canvassers proclaimed Domagoso and his running mate, Chi Atienza, on Tuesday night, May 13.

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) transparency server, Moreno obtained 530,825 votes against Lacuna, his former vice mayor, who received 190,087 votes. Atienza, meanwhile, had 583,124 votes as of 9:21 p.m.

Moreno expressed deep gratitude to the people of Manila and called for healing after what he described as a divisive campaign season.

“Maraming maraming salamat po. I have no words but thanks to the people of Manila. I am grateful to each and every citizen of the city. With this overwhelming type of mandate, I really owe it to you. I will do my best to be a better mayor of the City of Manila,” he said.

With his return to city hall on June 30, Moreno appealed to supporters and rivals to set aside political differences.

“Ako naman, alam ko sa June 30 pa tayo uupo, eh baka naman kung may bisa na ‘yung salita ko ngayon. Nananawagan ako sa inyo, let’s start healing each other,” he said.

[Translation: I know I don’t take office until June 30, but if my words already carry weight, I’m appealing to everyone - let’s begin the healing process.]

“Kung may hurtful words from them to us, and to you, I know, but let’s be magnanimous in victory,” he added.

Moreno further urged unity among Manileños: “Kaya ang panawagan ko po sa inyong lahat na pahupain ninyo na ang damdamin ninyo. Huwag tayong mag-away-away. Let’s move on with our lives. We must work together, because together, we can make Manila great again.”

[Translation: I appeal to everyone—let your emotions subside. Let’s not fight one another. Let’s move on with our lives.]

Lacuna concedes

Earlier on Tuesday, Lacuna conceded defeat and thanked her supporters in a video message posted on her official Facebook page.

“Nais kong ipahayag ang taos puso kong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga nagtiwala, tumulong, sumama, nakiisa at nakibahagi sa ating paninindigan,” she said.

[Translation: I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who trusted, helped, joined, supported, and took part in our cause.]

“Buong kababaang loob nating tinatanggap ang kapasyahan ng higit na nakararami sa atin,” she added.

[Translation: With full humility, we accept the decision of the majority.]

Lacuna, who made history as Manila’s first female mayor, said she was proud of the opportunity to serve.

“Buong pagpapakumbaba kong ipinagkakapuri ang malaking karangalan na ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin,” she said.

[Translation: With utmost humility, I take pride in the great honor you have given me.]

Moreno was mayor from 2019 to 2022 before an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2022.