Isko endorses Lacuna for mayor

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has endorsed his vice mayor, Honey Lacuna, to succeed him at city hall next year.

Moreno endorsed Lacuna for mayor and actor turned congressman Yul Servo for vice mayor in the 2022 elections.

Moreno made the endorsement when he announced his bid for the presidency on Wednesday.

He credited Lacuna, a physician, for the city’s pandemic response.

Lacuna said she is more than ready for the challenges as she vowed to continue the programs initiated by Moreno, if she gets elected.

She said she would focus on COVID-19 response and social amelioration program, which provides monthly cash allowances to senior citizens, solo parents, students and persons with disabilities.

Lacuna served as 4th District councilor for three terms and headed the city’s social welfare department for three years before she was elected vice mayor in 2016.

Lacuna is the daughter of former Manila vice mayor Danny Lacuna. She will be pitted against 1st District Rep. Manny Lopez of the PDP-Laban faction led by President Duterte. Lopez is the son of former Manila mayor Mel Lopez.