Manila mayoral candidate Sam “SV” Verzosa drew an enthusiastic crowd during his Grand Gathering in Pandacan on Friday night, where he reiterated his campaign battle cry: “Maynila, handa na sa tunay na pagbabago! Ipapanalo ko kayo!”
The event, held under the Pandacan bridge, was packed with residents eager to show support for Verzosa, who currently serves as a party-list representative. The night was filled with entertainment from comedians Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, a performance by the FR Band, and a surprise appearance by Ogie Diaz.
Diaz lauded Verzosa, comparing him to Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto for his clean governance and commitment to public service. “Suwerte kayo, Maynila,” he told the crowd. “Isang philanthropist ang tumatakbo sa inyo.” He described Verzosa as someone who gives his time and resources selflessly, “iniisip ang kapakanan at kabutihan ng tao.”
During a brief media conference, Verzosa addressed his campaign plans and responded to reports that Iglesia Ni Cristo would be supporting rival Isko Moreno in the May 12 election.
“Inirerespeto ko po lahat ng opinyon o pagpili ng iba’t ibang sektor sa Maynila,” Verzosa said, while thanking other groups supporting him—jeepney drivers, vendors, transport groups, and particularly the Hijos del Nazareno and Black Nazarene devotees.
“Sama-sama nating ipapanalo ang laban na ito,” he said, emphasizing his grassroots, service-first approach.
Asked for his message to opponents Isko Moreno and incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, Verzosa chuckled before responding: “Siguro salamat, dahil sa kanila, nandirito ako. Salamat at siguro ito na ‘yung ginusto ng Diyos… Wala akong planong mag-Mayor pero salamat dahil pati ako nagising sa katotohanan.”
Verzosa promised that if elected, one of his first actions would be to implement a ₱2,000 monthly allowance for senior citizens and PWDs in Manila. He also plans to provide students with free uniforms, shoes, and school supplies, similar to programs in Pasig and Makati.
To encourage transparency and community feedback, SV will also launch a “sumbungan” Facebook page where Manileños can report issues for quick response.
When asked how he feels with the campaign winding down, Verzosa said, “Pakiramdam ko po ngayon, ibang klase… Hindi ko ma-explain ‘yung ganito karami ang nagmamahal sa ’yo.”
“Walang edit ’to. Gusto kong makita ng Maynila, makita ng buong bansa, sino ba talaga ang mahal ng Manilenyo,” he added.
The event was capped off with high-energy performances by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, who brought laughter and cheers from the large crowd.
With the campaign entering its final stretch, Verzosa remains hopeful and determined: “Sama-sama nating ipapanalo ito.”
