MANILA, Philippines — As the race for the mayoralty of Manila heats up, former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso leads significantly in the most recent commissioned OCTA Research polling data, garnering 86 percent of voter support compared to incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna’s 8 percent. This gap raises questions about the factors driving Moreno’s popularity and the challenges facing Lacuna as the election approaches.
CJ Hirro, a Filipino writer and news presenter, analyzes these dynamics in her YouTube video titled “CJ Hirro Unpacks the Ongoing WAR for Manila between Isko and Honey,” released by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN).
In the video, Hirro highlights Moreno’s achievements during his previous term (2019-2022), including initiatives addressing the housing crisis and social welfare programs for the elderly. She also discusses the difficulties encountered by Lacuna’s administration, particularly in maintaining the progress made under Moreno.
The video includes Moreno’s reflections on his dedication to the people of Manila, where he expressed, “Kapag may utang na loob ka kasi, ako kasi tinatanaw ko ’yon pang habang buhay, yung bigat na pinagkakautangan mo ng utang na loob isang pamilya o yung isang mamamayan nag bigay sayo ng magkakataon. Mahal ko ang mga taga Maynila, nung pandemic pag sara hindi ako umuwi. Three months ako nag stay sa city hall, hindi ko nakita yung pamilya ko. That’s how I loved Manila… the people of Manila to the point that it came at the expense of my family.”
CJ Hirro’s analysis offers insights into the electoral landscape, prompting viewers to consider the implications of these developments for Manila’s governance as the election approaches.