Moreno no longer in touch with Lacuna amid tight mayoral race

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he is no longer in touch with his former ally and Mayor Honey Lacuna, who will be his rival for city hall for the 2025 midterm race.

Moreno filed his certificate of candidacy on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the last day of submission, together with his running mate Chi Atienza, daughter of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

In a chance interview, Moreno said he heeded the call of residents to help address public services.

Moreno said he talked to Lacuna as early as 2023 to discuss these matters and his intention to run again for mayor, which he said Lacuna immediately rejected.

“We really tried to nurture them…bilang pagtanaw ng utang na loob, I tried. Tayo namang mga Pilipino, kaugalian na natin iyan, ang pagtanaw ng utang na loob, walang katapusan. Habangbuhay. But you know nakikiusap ako sa kanila baka pwedeng sa ibang paraan naman ako tumanaw ng utang na loob, dahil may utang na loob din naman ako sa taumbayan,” Moreno said.

[Translation: We really tried to nurture them...as a way of showing gratitude, I tried. For us Filipinos, it’s part of our culture to show gratitude, and it never ends. It lasts a lifetime. But you know, I'm asking them if there might be another way for me to extend my gratitude, because I also owe a debt of gratitude to our people]

“Before, they would always call me…last year, they would invite me, ask me, try to share ideas. But more than a year now, ginhost ba yun? Hindi ko lang alam iyon ang tamang termino. (Is it ghosting? I don’t know if it is the right term) But that is the literal application,” he added.

Lacuna earlier told NewsWatch Plus that she was disheartened by Moreno’s election bid, saying the former mayor vowed not to vie for the top local post again if he fails to secure the presidency in 2022.

Moreno said he was surprised by Lacuna’s reaction.

He said he couldn’t blame Lacuna for getting hurt but pointed out he “doesn’t owe anybody” anything.

“Iyong pagkakaibigan, pami-pamilya, e maliit na bagay iyan kapag napag-usapan na ang kapakanan ng taumbayan. We owe it to the people,” he said.

[Translation: Your friendships and family ties are small matters when it comes to the welfare of our citizens. We owe it to the people]

The former mayor said he will let the people decide who they would elect amid the tight race.

“Kung sakali man (If ever)…we will create a decade-long program and the thrust of a ten-year plan will focus on MBM - minimum basic needs,” he said.

Lacuna is seeking reelection with Vice Mayor Yul Servo.