The Manila mayoral race is heating up as former Mayor Isko Moreno and Rep. Sam Verzosa exchange strong words over public service and political strategies.
Moreno recently took a jab at candidates who he claimed only began distributing aid as election season neared—a statement widely interpreted as a swipe at Verzosa.
However, Verzosa, a businessman and lawmaker, did not take the remark lightly and fired back, emphasizing his long-standing service to Manila residents, especially during the pandemic.
In response to Moreno’s statements, Verzosa took to Instagram, sharing a video containing Moreno’s remarks along with “receipts” of his past initiatives in Manila.
“Galit ako sa SINUNGALING, Abusado at MAGNANAKAW, kaya hindi ako papayag na ginaganito tayo. Tapusin natin ang Kultura ng Pananakot at Korapsyon! Di namin kayo uurungan! Lalaban kami hanggang dulo! Babaliktarin pa nila tayo, pero alam ng mga kababayan natin ang totoo. Paparating na ang PAGBABAGO sa Maynila.”
He further asserted his commitment to public service and addressed accusations that he was only now making an effort because of the elections.
“Bago ka magtanong kung nasaan ako, balikan mo ang kasaysayan,” Verzosa wrote.
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To support his claims, Verzosa pointed to his pandemic relief initiatives, particularly his donation of an entire E-Skwela Hub in Sampaloc, Manila—a facility equipped with computers, printers, Wi-Fi modems, and books to assist students in their online learning during the lockdown.
In August 2020, Verzosa personally visited Barangay 585 alongside his Frontrow co-founder Raymond Francisco to deliver computers, routers, and printers for the project.
What makes the situation even more ironic is that at the time, Verzosa worked alongside Moreno and then-Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is also running for Manila mayor this election season.
Moreno and Verzosa were once on the same side, even shaking hands at the Rising Tigers Ball in October 2024, where both were honored as ‘Men of Power and Purpose.’ However, since filing their candidacies for mayor, their relationship has turned into an intense rivalry.
The latest OCTA Research survey ranks Moreno and Verzosa as the top two contenders for the Manila mayoral seat, making their political battle even fiercer.
