As the May 2025 elections loom, the latest OCTA Research survey shows a striking trend: former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is poised for a commanding comeback, leading the race with a formidable 74 percent support.
With over 836,561 voters backing him, Moreno鈥檚 popularity is resurgent, and it鈥檚 clear why: the city鈥檚 residents remember his dynamic leadership during his first term, where he tackled infrastructure, cleanliness, and transparency with fervor.
Businessman Lawrence Uy from Manila commissioned the survey.
Why the surge in support? Many Manilans are likely reflecting on the rapid development and visible changes under Moreno鈥檚 administration. His track record in revitalizing the city鈥攆rom improving public health services to enhancing the transport system鈥攈as left a lasting impression. The overwhelming backing of Moreno in the survey, especially when compared to his rivals, is a testament to his lasting impact on the city.
On the other hand, incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna trails significantly behind, with only 9 percent of the respondents indicating support for her. Her leadership has been marred by accusations of ineptitude and stagnation.
Under Lacuna, many feel the city鈥檚 progress has slowed, leading to widespread frustration. This dissatisfaction has given rise to a surprising competitor: Sam Verzosa, who is quickly gaining traction, with 15 percent of voters supporting him. Despite being in office for a while now, Lacuna鈥檚 administration has struggled to address several pressing issues, from traffic congestion to public health inefficiencies and most importantly garbage collection and sanitation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 heartbreaking to see that this dirty version of Manila is what the Manile帽os have to deal with. Where鈥檚 the Manila government? Where鈥檚 your new contractor who鈥檚 supposed to handle the trash collection? The truth is, the Lacuna administration didn鈥檛 pay for eight months, which is why Leonel didn鈥檛 join the bidding again. That鈥檚 the reality of it!鈥� says Netizen Yuki Kawaii in Tagalog.
While Verzosa鈥檚 relatively recent entry into the political scene suggests a fresh perspective, it also highlights just how disillusioned the public is with Lacuna鈥檚 leadership. Many voters appear to be seeking a change鈥攐ne that will take Manila back to the momentum it had during Moreno鈥檚 term.
Isko Moreno鈥檚 impressive lead underscores his ability to inspire confidence and his unshakable connection to the people. As Manila grapples with the failures of the current administration, Moreno鈥檚 proven leadership and forward-thinking policies offer hope for the city鈥檚 future. His return could signal a renewed era of development and efficiency鈥攐ne that Manilans are clearly eager to embrace.
Given the current trajectory, Isko Moreno鈥檚 return to office seems almost inevitable. The voters have spoken, and their message is clear: it鈥檚 time for a leadership change, and Moreno is their man for the job.