Manila exec denies chat thread about Isko’s presidential bid

Who? Me running? Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s office denies fake message thread. INQUIRER.NET/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Manila City on Wednesday denied the existence of a message thread revealing that Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso would be running for president in the 2022 elections.

“Hahahahaha fake. The chat does not exist,” said Manila City Public Information Officer Julius Leonen in an official statement.

The fake message thread showed Leonen claiming that “off-record” Moreno will run for president in 2022 through the 1Sambayan Party.

In addition, the fake thread made it appear as though Moreno doesn’t want to be linked with the Dutertes.

Moreno earlier announced on June 4, that he would run in the 2022 polls but added that the post he is eyeing “remains to be seen.”

READ: Isko Moreno says he will run in 2022 polls but post ‘remains to be seen’

In an earlier statement, the 1Sambayan party said that Moreno is one of its possible candidates, set to be announced on June 12, Independence Day.

READ: Manila mayor on 1Sambayan’s 2022 presidential polls nomination: Thanks but…

On June 3, President Rodrigo Duterte named Moreno as a prospective candidate for his 2022 endorsement. Sara Duterte-Carpio, Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Manny Pacquiao and ex-senator Bongbong Marcos are also candidates.

READ: Duterte names choices to endorse as next president: Sara, Isko, Pacquiao, Bongbong, Go – Palace

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