Current Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto under Asenso Manileño reaffirmed their bid for re-election, highlighting ongoing projects, governance reforms, and a deep commitment to public service in Manila.
In the Bakit Ikaw: DZRH Job Interview, the tandem detailed their "unfinished business" for the city, highlighting ongoing infrastructure and social initiatives.
“Marami po tayong mga proyekto na sinimulan po sa lungsod ng Maynila syempre kasama po ang ating Vice Mayor Yul Servo…nandyan din po ang Kalinga Center parang one-stop shop po yan sa lungsod ng Maynila,” Mayor Lacuna explained the purpose of the Kalinga Center, a new hub for essential services.
She explained that the Kalinga Center will house a youth hub, a senior citizens’ affairs office, a modern public library, and a cultural theater for culture and arts.
Eyeing to modernize the Manila City Council
Vice Mayor Yul Servo detailed his legislative accomplishments and modernization efforts in the city council.
“Nagsulong tayo ng kauna-unahang website ng city council ng Maynila… one click away na lang ang 900 ordinansa,” he cited the launch of the first website of the Manila City Council and the codification of ordinances for easier access.
He also introduced the “24 Century Code of General Ordinances” referring to Ordinance No. 8244 to consolidate Manila’s legislative history for public and academic use.
“Nais natin ma-i-modernize pa ang council… makapagsulong pa ng kapakipakinabangan na ordinansa,” Servo added.
Addressing welfare programs and community engagement
Lacuna highlighted the "Kalinga sa Maynila" program which she said brings city services directly to the barangays.
She mentioned the city’s direct consultation with citizens through the Kalinga sa Maynila initiative.
“Dati kasi 500 lang ang natatanggap nila hindi pa po sasapat sa lahat po ng pangangailangan nila. Kung kaya po pinakinggan naman ng konseho ng Maynila,” she said in reference to the increase in senior citizen allowances.
The current Manila mayor said under her leadership, senior citizen allowances were increased to 3,000 for 3 months, a move based on feedback from community consultations.
Rebutting allegations and criticisms
Moreover, when questioned regarding the vote-buying allegations and the COMELEC’s show-cause order, Lacuna strongly refuted any misconduct.
“Wala kaming ginagawang kahit anong klase ng vote buying, kung ano man po ang ipinatutupad namin mga social amelioration program po. Sinimulan po namin ‘yan 2022, hindi naman po namin maaaring itigil yan porket panahon ng kampanya at eleksyon,” she explained.
Lacuna also addressed criticisms comparing the cleanliness of the city under previous administrations.
“Ang lungsod po ng Maynila, at nag buong Pilipinas at buong mundo ay nasa pailalim ng pandemya noong panahon po ng dating administrasyon. Ang lahat po ng tao nakakulong sa kanilang mga tahanan, walang nakakalabas doon pa lang po makikita mo sino magkakalat sa labas,” Lacuna claiming less waste was being spread in around Manila.
She further noted that a significant challenge has emerged as people have returned to their normal lives, which has naturally led to an increase in visible waste.
“Dati po wala po tayong isyu tungkol doon sa basura, hindi tayo nagkaroon ng isyu. Noong panahon nila wala tayong isyu ngayong pinalitan sila biglang nagkaroon ng isyu,” she pointed out.
On the issue of past property sales under the previous leadership, she clarified that she could not provide an answer since the matter did not fall under her responsibility and occurred during the tenure of the former mayor.
“Hindi naman po sa akin napunta iyon, panahon pa po ‘yan ng dating alkalde.”
She also noted that projects like the Manila Zoo were funded through a P17.8 billion loan, with repayments ongoing until 2042.
On the other hand, when questioned about the possibility of reconciling with former mayor Isko Moreno, Lacuna responded, saying, ”Ako magpapakatotoo lang, baka po hindi na. Hindi na.”
Lacuna expressed trust in the electorate’s discernment, while remaining critical of small-sample surveys.
“Ang pinaka tamang survey po ay malalaman mo sa araw ng eleksyon,” she said.
#BakitIkaw: Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Yul Servo Nieto?
With less than two weeks remaining until election day, both Lacuna and Servo reached out to the voters of Manila with their appeals.
Servo emphasized that he had faithfully and diligently served as a dedicated public servant of the Manila city government, consistently fulfilling her responsibilities and striving to exceed expectations in serving the young citizens of Manila.
“Tayo po ay naging tapat, maayos na sundalo ng gobyerno ng Maynila,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Lacuna reiterated that she remained steadfast and loyal in her service to the people of Manila.
“Hinding-hindi ko po kayo pababayaan lalong-lalo na hinding-hindi ko po kayo iiwan,” she affirmed.
As Manila's election season heats up, the Lacuna-Servo team seeks to convince voters that their steady hand and sincerity remain the city’s best option for continued progres
