Independent candidate Sam “SV” Verzosa may be running solo, but he’s drawing strength from the people.
At a massive campaign caucus in Ermita on Sunday night, the aspiring Manila mayor rallied a crowd of supporters with his signature energy, brushing off persistent attacks from rival camps.
“Sobra-sobra ‘yung mga naninira, grabe! Wala na nga akong partido, independent na nga ako pero todo pa rin ‘yung paninira nila. Sobrang threatened na kasi sila kasi kakampi ko na ‘yung buong Manilenyo,” SV declared to roaring cheers.
Without a political party backing him, Verzosa insists his “true party” is the people of Manila.
“Ito ‘yung mga tunay na kakampi ko. Sila po ang aking partido,” he said, pointing to the crowd.
Verzosa reiterated his campaign priorities: health services for senior citizens, education support for students, and livelihood programs for the unemployed.
“Basta ang importante sa akin ‘yung adbokasiya ko, prioridad ko ‘yung kalusugan ng mga senior citizen, pag-aaral ng mga bata at kabuhayan ng mga walang trabaho, iyon ang importante.”
While he’s running independently, SV emphasized he’ll work with whoever is elected vice mayor.
“Ako na ang susuyo sa kanila, ako na ‘yung lalapit, ako na ‘yung mag-aabot ng aking kamay. Para magkaroon ng pagkakaisa. At saka sa eleksiyon lang naman ‘yung galit-galit, eh. Pagkatapos ng eleksiyon kailangan nating magkaisa kasi maraming umaasa.”
Just a week before the elections, a new poll from RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) revealed a statistical tie between Verzosa and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
According to RPMD’s ‘Boses ng Bayan’ survey posted on May 5, Verzosa is slightly ahead at 43% compared to 41% for Moreno. The remaining 3% of voters are still undecided — a critical factor in this neck-and-neck battle.
The survey, conducted with 2,500 registered voters across Manila’s six districts, signals a surge of momentum for Verzosa, especially among younger voters seeking fresh leadership.
RPMD noted that Verzosa’s appeal as a political outsider advocating innovation in local governance may be tipping the balance in his favor.
The Manila mayoral election is set for Monday, May 12, declared a special non-working holiday by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
