After his failed 2022 bid for the presidency and a promise to retire from politics, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso now emerges as the frontrunner in the race to reclaim Manila’s mayoralty, according to several pre-election polls.
In an April voter preference survey by Octa Research, Domagoso led with a commanding 63% voter preference, well ahead of his former vice mayor, incumbent Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, who trailed with 18%. Tutok To Win Rep. Sam Verzosa ranked third with 16%.
Similarly, a Varsitarian survey conducted from April 28 to May 7 among UST students showed Domagoso as the top choice with 37.75%, well ahead of Lacuna (17.97%) and Verzosa (4%).
What keeps Domagoso popular?
Asst. Prof. Frederick Rey of the UST Department of Political Science told the Varsitarian that the actor-turned-politician’s mass appeal played a significant role.
During his mayoralty, he became known for clearing the city’s streets of informal vendors and illegally built structures. His use of sociolect — particularly the nickname “Yorme,” a twist on “mayor” — also resonated with the public.
“Isko is a populist,” Rey said. “When I say a populist, he made himself appear like an ordinary person. And his propaganda technique or tactics succeeded in bringing him closer to the people.”
Domagoso, who served as Manila mayor from 2019 to 2022 and as vice mayor from 2007 to 2016, launched housing projects such as BaseCommunity, Tondominium, and Binondominium, along with beautification efforts like the Manila Lawton Hidden Garden and the revamped Lagusnilad Underpass.
But his political record isn’t spotless.
As vice mayor, he faced controversies including allegations of hiring “ghost” employees, a plunder case over property taxes, and an arrest related to illegal bingo operations. His sale of the Divisoria Public Market as mayor also drew criticism.
Despite these issues, Rey said Domagoso still holds an edge over Lacuna by maintaining a stronger emotional bond with the public.
“In most cases, we vote based on emotions and not based on proficiency and intelligence,” he said. “Dapat mabait ka, you are capable of feeling the people, and, at the same time, you have the necessary proficiencies and skills to legislate.”
Political science instructor Jazztin Manalo added that backlash over the mandatory health certificate for workers in Manila may have also hurt Lacuna’s image, especially among UST students. The policy, which was widely opposed by UST employee unions and even discussed in the Senate, was widely covered by The Varsitarian.
“It’s another controversial issue back then, and nagkaroon ng masamang consequences ‘yon sa kanila. So, napansin din ito ng mga estudyante natin. It greatly affected ‘yong position nila in terms of who voted,” Manalo said.
In the Varsitarian’s poll, nearly 40% of participants said they were unfamiliar with the 10 individuals vying for Manila’s mayoralty. The survey was not limited to Manila-based voters but gauged the views of UST students about the city where the campus is located.
Ultimately, why should Thomasians care about Manila politics? Manalo said students need to be aware of who governs the city where their school is based, even if they reside elsewhere.
“It’s a challenge for these Thomasians na dapat alamin din nila kung sino ‘yong namamahala sa kung saang siyudad ‘yong eskwelahan nila,” Manalo said. Justin Jacob S. Urag with reports from Miguel Angelo B. Marco
