Allies turned rivals: Isko Moreno vs Honey Lacuna for Manila mayor

MANILA, Philippines – Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, who have long considered each other like siblings, are now going head-to-head for the city’s top post.

Moreno officially filed his candidacy under Aksyon Demokratiko on Tuesday, October 8, while Lacuna launched her reelection bid under Asenso Manileño last Thursday, October 3.

Moreno is running alongside vice mayoral candidate Chi Atienza, daughter of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who is also eyeing a political comeback as a Buhay Party-list representative. Chi, known for her television career, adds another touch of celebrity to the actor Moreno’s slate.

Meanwhile, Lacuna chose Vice Mayor Yul Servo as her running mate. Servo, an actor-turned-politician, served as a three-term city councilor and 3rd District representative of Manila.

In 2019, Moreno and Lacuna ran as a team and both won as mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Their partnership flourished, especially when they faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic together. As vice mayor, Lacuna, a licensed physician, became Moreno’s key adviser on health matters, coordinating the city’s pandemic response.

“Not once did I feel that I was only a spare tire,” Lacuna said of Moreno in 2022. “He treated me as a sister and partner in all city government activities.”

When Moreno pursued the presidency in 2022, he handpicked Lacuna as his successor for the mayoral seat.

“Walang halong pagdududa ko kayong ipagkakatiwala kay Honey Lacuna, dahil alam ko po na kaya niyang ipagpatuloy ang mga bagay na nasimulan na natin sa lungsod ng Maynila at mamamayan nito,” Moreno said in September 2021.

(I have no doubt in my mind about handing over city hall to Honey Lacuna, because I am sure she will continue the reforms we started in Manila.)

Lacuna went on to win as mayor, while Moreno’s presidential bid ended in defeat.

It was Moreno who administered Lacuna’s oath of office when she assumed the role of vice mayor.

What further binds Lacuna and Moreno is Danny Lacuna, Honey’s father and a former vice mayor of the city. Danny was Isko’s political mentor.

Moreno said that it was only “Boss Danny” who believed in him when he was still a