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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Sa lokal lang po ako': Isko brushes off 2028 talk

'Sa lokal lang po ako': Isko brushes off 2028 talk

Published Feb 23, 2026 12:44 pm  |  Updated Feb 23, 2026 02:28 pm
Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso downplayed talks linking his name to a possible bid for higher office in 2028, saying he intends to stay focused on leading the capital city.
Speaking to reporters in Malacañan following the launch of the expanded Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), Moreno repeatedly signaled he has no plans to seek a higher post.
“Pabayaan niyo na ako dito sa Maynila. Pabayaan niyo na lang ako (Just leave me here in Manila. Just leave me),” Moreno said Monday, Feb. 23.
“Steady na lang ako sa gedli (I’ll just stay steady on the sidelines),” he added.
When asked again about Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration of her 2028 presidential bid and speculation that his name, along with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, has been floated in political circles, Moreno replied succinctly: “Sa lokal lang po ako (I’m staying in local politics).”
Pressed further if anyone had approached him about higher ambitions, Moreno quipped: “Tatakbo ako (I will run)—mayor,” drawing laughter from reporters.
Moreno ran for president in the 2022 elections, where President Marcos emerged victorious. He ran and won against his former ally, former Manila mayor Honey Lacuna, in the 2025 midterm polls, marking his comeback to Manila’s leadership.

Grateful for Malacañang support

Moreno’s remarks came after he joined President Marcos and other local chief executives at the LGSF event, where LGUs received additional national government assistance.
“Oh, maganda naman. I’m very happy despite things in the past, President Bongbong Marcos opted to help local government units like the City of Manila,” he said.
He noted that Manila was among the first cities to benefit from national assistance, receiving P500 million earlier to build the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Medicine.
The city also formally received P286 million under the latest LGSF allocation, which Moreno said will be used to purchase locally produced rice at commercial prices as part of assistance programs for residents.
Moreno said the national government’s “aggressiveness” in supporting LGUs would eventually benefit the economy, local farmers, and basic services across the country.
“I’m very happy. We’re very excited,” he said.

‘Full-hearted, grateful city’

Moreno acknowledged Manila’s fiscal challenges and expressed gratitude for Malacañang’s assistance.
“As Mayor of Manila, on behalf of the people of Manila, we are very grateful for President Bongbong Marcos… That’s a full-hearted, grateful city of mine,” he said.
“Especially with our fiscal situation. It cannot be denied anymore. Thank you talaga. Sobrang excited ako (Thank you very much. I’m very excited),” he added.

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Isko Moreno Manila Mayor Francisco \"Isko Moreno\" Domagoso LGSF 2028 elections
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