Chi Atienza and Isko Moreno. Isko Moreno/Facebook 

MANILA, Philippines – Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso is set to take back the city of Manila after a landslide victory in the 2025 midterm elections. 

Moreno defeated opponents incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna and Sam Verzosa by landslide. 

As of 12:12 am, Tuesday, Moreno got 560,637 votes followed by Lacuna with 197,705 votes and Versoza with 171,271. 

In an interview last night after majority of votes have been transmitted, Moreno said he is optimistic in fulfilling his campaign promise of “making Manila great again.” 

“Gusto namin ni Chi Chi at sampunang aming grupo na manalo. Of course, I think any John Doe and Mary, who is a candidate, gusto manalo. ‘Yun talaga ang pangarap namin, yun ang goal namin, makapaglingkod sa tao through winning in a democratic way,” he said. 

Even with consistent survey lead, Moreno said he was still shocked at the results of the election. 

“Nakakagulat, na-overwhelm kami, na-shock. But we really appreciate it at malaking challenge because there is a great mandate given to us, Chi Chi and I, and most of our group. I think 80% ng aming kapartido ay nanalo sa halalang ito,” he said. 

His running mate, Chi Atienza also enjoyed 614,881 votes, a wide lead against opponent Yul Servo, incumbent Manila vice mayor with only 259,386 as of 12:01 am, Tuesday. 

Moreno and erstwhile ally Lacuna found themselves at polarized positions when they faced each other for the mayoralty of the city this election. 

Lacuna repeatedly said feeling betrayed by Moreno’s decision to run after promising retirement following his loss in the 2022 presidential elections. 

Moreno meanwhile said he only heeded the call of the citizens of Manila who observed “poor” service in the city after he stepped down.