Isko Moreno endorses Lacuna for Manila vice mayor in 2016

MANILA,Philippines – Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who is on his 3rd and last term, has endorsed Danny Lacuna as their local party’s candidate for the position in 2016.

On Wednesday, June 24 – Araw ng Maynila – Moreno also announced that he would step down as president and chairman of Asenso Manileño to give way to Lacuna. The party was formed on the same date 6 years ago.

Should he win in the next elections, Lacuna would be a returning vice mayor, having served in the same position from 1988 to 1992 and again in 1998 until 2004. 

“Tinatanggap ko po ang hamon ni Vice Mayor Moreno. Tinatanggap ko po ang pagkapangulo at chairman ng Asenso Manileño. Muli lalapit po ako sa inyo, muli po makikiusap sa inyo na baka balang araw ay muli po akong tumanaw sa larangan ng pulitka,” Lacuna said in a meeting of all the leaders of Manila’s 6 districts. 

(I accept Vice Mayor Moreno’s challenge. I accept my position as president and chairman of Asenso Manileño. Again, I’m asking for your help because someday I might see myself in politics again.)

The meeting was attended by thousands, consisting of city’s councilors, barangay chairmen, kagawads, secretaries, and treasurers. It was held at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum.

For this part, Moreno hinted on a possible candidacy in 2016, but said he had not made a decision yet to run for higher office.

“Kailangan ko po ng lahat tulong ninyo. Iyon po ang katotohanan. Bigyan ‘nyo po ako ng pagkakataon…. Ako po ay magdedeklera, ako po ay tatakbo…sa Roxas Boulevard,” he told barangay leaders, partly joking.

(I need everyone’s help. That’s the truth. Just give me a chance…. I am declaring that I will run…along Roxas Boulevard.)

He said he has always wanted to be the mayor of Manila, but it was just a personal ambition.

In 2010, he teamed up with former President Joseph Estrada, who promised him that he (Estrada) would only serve one term as mayor and give way to Moreno in 2016. Mayor Estrada has since changed his mind and declared that he would seek re-election, forcing Moreno to reportedly consider running for senator. – Rappler.com