Isko Moreno’s inevitable return as mayor of Manila
As the May elections approach, the race for the mayoralty of Manila is shaping up to be a captivating spectacle, revealing not just the political landscape but the mood of the electorate. The latest surveys indicate a dramatic turn of events as former Mayor Isko Moreno surges ahead and reclaims his place as the frontrunner, showcasing an overwhelming preference of 74% among voters In Octa Research. Similar trends came out in earlier SWS , HKPH and other surveys. This resurgence is not merely a fluke; it crystallizes a deep-seated desire for dynamic leadership that he exemplified during his previous term.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Moreno’s ability to connect with the constituents resonates strongly—he is remembered for his bold initiatives that tackled urban cleanliness, infrastructure upgrades, and transparency—elements that many in Manila view as sorely lacking in the current administration. His charisma and populist governance remind voters of the spirited and vibrant Manila they long to restore. In stark contrast, incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna’s fall to a mere 9% approval rating illuminates the palpable discontent brewing among Manileños, particularly over perceived stagnation and inefficiency during her tenure. A government engulfed in claims of ineffectiveness cannot hold a candle to the passionately driven and visible governance Moreno represented.
Lacuna’s administration faces mounting scrutiny for its inability to address pressing urban issues—a city plagued by traffic congestion, sanitation problems, and public health inefficiencies. The comparison to Moreno’s proactive governance highlights how far the current leadership is from meeting the expectations of Manileños, who want tangible results rather than empty promises. This plunging approval rating reflects not only individual performance but serves as a damning indictment of an administration that appears out of touch with the needs and realities of its citizens.
Furthermore, the rise of Congressman Sam Verzosa coming second at 15 percent , serves as a testament to the changing tides in Manila politics. His fresh voice appeals particularly to younger voters searching for innovation and change—a response to the frustrations many feel about their current leadership. The fact that even a newcomer can capture such a significant share of the vote speaks volumes about the electorate’s appetite for renewal against a backdrop of dissatisfaction with status quo politics.
Moreover, with 8% of voters remaining undecided, it is clear that Isko Moreno’s return to office seems all but inevitable. As he aligns himself with the desires of the people for revitalization and effective governance, the question now looms over what happens to the current administration under Lacuna. The window for influence and action is rapidly closing, and the palpable urgency in the electorate only amplifies the call for decisive change in leadership. As Manileños consider their options, the message is resounding—those seeking a transformative leader have unequivocally rallied behind Isko Moreno, sending a clear signal: they desire more than just survival; they long for resurgence.
High Prices, Empty Promises: The Agony of Filipino Consumers!
The recent lack of urgency demonstrated by the government in the formation of the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, or RA 12022 signed on September 26 of last year, is nothing short of unacceptable.
It has been over five months since this critical measure was sanctioned, yet there remains no sign of its much awaited Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). And of course, the much awaited coordinated raids against target hoarders, cartels, price manipulators are not happening because of this discrepancy. The so-called Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council has yet to convene. This Council comes from the DA, DOJ, DOF, DILG, DTI, DOTR, AMLC and the Philippine Competition Commission. The “Enforcement group” the task force mandated by this new law, supposedly from PNP-NBI-Philippine Coast Guard and Dept of Finance, remains non-operational. Who are its members, who will lead them and when will they go after these smugglers, hoarders etc?
With agricultural smuggling decimating local farmers and destabilizing food prices, the snail’s pace at which this initiative is crawling towards fruition has left countless stakeholders disillusioned. This delay does not simply symbolize bureaucratic slow-wittedness; it indicates a blatant disregard for the plight of Filipino farmers and the consumer populace enduring exorbitant food costs that could rightly be controlled by more decisive and prompt action.
The constant fluctuations in the maximum retail price of imported rice only compound the confusion among consumers, starting from an initial P58 per kilo, dropping to P49, and Bulacan traders now promising to sell at P35 after NBI raided their warehouses. This erratic pricing reinforces the perception of an administration in complete disarray. Why do we see such drastic shifts? The abrupt transition from one cost to another creates an unstable market environment that lacks consistency, negatively impacting both consumers — who are desperate for affordability — and legitimate traders who struggle to navigate this tempestuous sea of pricing. It’s perplexing that while substantial efforts are claimed to be underway, the actual measures taken appear to be reactionary rather than proactive, leaving many questioning the integrity of our rice policies.
The aftermath of continuously soaring prices is not isolated. As government fumbles to rein in rice , it has become glaringly obvious that cartels controlling the price of other agricultural products covered by the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act such as corn, beef, pork, and vegetables are operating with minimal oversight or consequence. There is a problem when those behind the curtain seem utterly unfazed by the ongoing chaos, profiting off the high costs that burden ordinary people trying to make ends meet. The lack of decisiveness not only emboldens these cartels but also perpetuates a cycle of exploitation, where consumers are compelled to choose between feeding their family and paying their bills.
What is even more exasperating is the insufficient coordination between the national government and local units in penalizing unscrupulous wholesalers and retailers. Reports show a troubling trend: while the NBI conducts raids, there remains an alarming absence of tangible accountability for those running these operations. Warehouse owners evade identification, and smugglers remain elusive. This lack of punitive measures fosters a sense of impunity among wrongdoers, and without serious repercussions for these economic saboteurs, why would they change their exploitative practices?
Can we, the ordinary citizens—farmers, consumers—truly hold on to hope for relief if actions against smugglers and price manipulators are merely surface-level gestures meant to placate the public outcry? The patience of the Filipino people is wearing thin, and it begs the question: how long must we endure painfully high prices and bureaucratic sloth before the government finally acts with the conviction needed to safeguard the future of our agriculture and food security?
We need more than half-hearted declarations; we require comprehensive strategies robust enough to put an end to this travesty. Action, not words, is what will determine whether we emerge from this agricultural crisis intact or continue to spiral into deeper economic control by those who operate outside the law.
