Manila mayoral race heats up: Isko, Versoza locked in close fight
THE battle for the city’s top executive post is heating up as the latest ‘Boses ng Bayan’ pre-election survey reveals a close and intensifying race between former Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and Congressman Sam Versoza for the Manila mayoralty. With just seven percentage points separating them, the contest will be among the most competitive in the 2025 midterm elections.
According to the survey by RPMD Foundation Inc. and RPMD News Network Inc., Moreno leads with 45% of voter support, while Versoza narrows at 38%. The results point to a dynamic two-way battle, with both candidates aggressively courting voter blocs through high-visibility campaigns, strong grassroots presence, and public engagement.
“This 7-point margin illustrates a tightening race in Manila,” said Dr. Paul Martinez, Executive Director of RPMD. “Moreno still commands significant name recall and goodwill from his previous term, but Versoza’s rapid rise and modern campaign strategy resonate, especially with younger and first-time voters.”
In contrast, despite her historical role and steady governance, incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna secured only 15% support—signaling challenges in regaining political momentum against two apparent contenders.
In the congressional races, incumbents and political names remain dominant. In District 1, Rep. Ernix Dionisio commands a staggering 80% voter support, far ahead of Joseph Lumbad (11%) and Manny Lopez (7%). District 4 sees Giselle Maceda, wife of incumbent Rep. Edward Maceda, leading with 48%, followed by Luisito Chua (24%), Joel Villanueva (20%), and Trisha Bonoan (5%). In District 6, veteran Congressman Benny Abante maintains a solid grip with 82%, overshadowing challenger Joey Uy, who trails at 17%.
The ‘Boses ng Bayan’ survey was conducted from March 15 to 20, 2025, using face-to-face interviews with 5,000 registered voters in Manila. The survey carries a ±1% margin of error and a 95% confidence level.
