Isko Moreno reclaims Manila mayoralty in landslide

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MANILA, Philippines — Former Manila mayor and celebrity-turned-politician Isko Moreno Domagoso has reclaimed the capital’s top post, defeating incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna by a wide margin in the 2025 local elections.

Domagoso, running under Aksyon Demokratiko with vice mayoral candidate Chi Atienza, was proclaimed winner by the Commission on Elections’ board of canvassers on Tuesday, May 13.

He secured 529,507 votes, far outpacing Lacuna’s 190,315 and independent candidate Sam Verzosa’s 164,047.

Domagoso’s victory marks a political comeback after his unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid, where he finished fourth behind Manny Pacquiao. His return to helm Manila's city hall followed a campaign against 10 other aspirants, including two who were close contenders in pre-election surveys.

Verzosa, a businessman and independent candidate, finished third in the mayoral race and conceded on May 12 as partial results were released. Lacuna also conceded on May 13.

Fracture. The race was defined by the fractured alliance between Domagoso and Lacuna. Lacuna, who served as Domagoso’s vice mayor from 2019 to 2022 before succeeding him, described his decision to challenge her as a betrayal.

Their split became public when Domagoso announced his candidacy in October 2024.

Vice mayoralty. In the vice mayoral contest, Atienza, daughter of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, led with 582,510 votes. Lacuna’s running mate, Yul Servo Nieto, trailed with 249,419  votes.

Atienza’s candidacy was notable: she was initially set to run for councilor in Manila’s 5th district under Lacuna’s Asenso Manileño ticket, but was later tapped by Domagoso to join his slate as vice mayor.

The newly elected officials will assume office on June 30, 2025, for a three-year term.