It has been an intense campaign for all Manila mayoral candidates, especially for the top three vying for Manileños’ choice. Issues have been thrown here and there, but what’s really impressive about all that’s happening in Manila’s politics is how Sam Verzosa rose from a nobody among its citizens to becoming one of their top choices.

Verzosa shares that his Miting de Avance almost didn’t push through because they were having a hard time getting a permit to hold their event because, politics. But even if they were left to hold it under the Metro Manila Skyway in Pandacan, Manila, Verzosa and his team didn’t shy away from giving it all for those who attended.

“Itong laban na ‘to, hindi ko lang laban ito. Laban nating lahat ito,” Verzosa shares as he expressed his willingness to fight for the people of Manila.

“Mahirap daw ipatupad ‘yung 2k (monthly allowance for senior citizens and PWDs), tanggalin lang ang kurapsyon matutupad ‘yan,” boasts Verzosa. This is actually something that has been done in one particular city in Metro Manila.

When asked what the audience wants? The crowd chants, “wala nang babalik,” pertaining to the previous mayors of Manila City.

To end the Mting de Avance, Verzosa was asked by some members of the media. His message to his co-mayoral candidates Isko Moreno and Honey Lacuna?

“Salamat dahil sa kanila nandito ako. Salamat dahil sa mga ginawa nila, nagising ang taong bayan. Salamat at siguro ito na ang ginusto ng Diyos. Maraming mga bagay ang nangyayari na wala sa plano. Wala akong planong mag-mayor pero salamat dahil pati ako nagising sa katotohanan, nagising sa pangangailangan at nagising na kailangan ng tunay ng pagbabago dito sa Manila. Salamat sa kanila alam ko na ang mga hindi dapat gawin at ano dapat ang gagawin ko para sa Manila.”

Watch our coverage of the Q&A during Sam Verzosa’s Miting de Avance:
 

The latest ‘Boses ng Bayan’ Election 2025 survey conducted by the RPMD Foundation, Inc. reveals Verzosa is holding a slight edge with 43% voter preference against Isko Moreno trailing closely behind at 41% with a +2% margin of error. A 5% increase for Verzosa and a 4% decrease for More o from the previous survey.