Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno and his son Joaquín, who will join Manila’s race for city council.

MANILA, Philippines – Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno has expressed immense pride and excitement over his son Joaquin’s candidacy for the city council.

The young aspiring politician, now 23, is running for a seat in Manila’s first district, aiming to build on his family’s legacy of public service. Isko, known for his bold initiatives and grassroots approach during his tenure as mayor, shared his enthusiasm for his son’s campaign and highlighted Joaquín’s potential to bring fresh ideas and a youthful perspective to city governance.

In a recent interview, Isko described Joaquín as a dedicated and determined young man, eager to address issues affecting his generation and his community.

“He was the one who wanted this, I didn’t force him. Love for people cannot be taught not even by the father, he really wanted this,” he said in Filipino.

Joaquin, who has been actively involved in community outreach and youth advocacy programs in recent years, aims to focus on programs that support education, health, and job opportunities for Manila’s younger population.

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Known for his charismatic personality and deep connection with the city’s youth, he hopes to leverage his experience to bring more inclusive policies to the city council.

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Isko, now a candidate for mayor, also mentioned the sense of responsibility that comes with his son joining the political arena. “You don’t see any Moreno in the city hall, but since there is a vacancy now, he doesn’t step on anyone,” the elder Moreno said in Filipino.

READ: Isko Moreno leads Lacuna by 78 points in the race for Manila mayor – OCTA

In a recent poll commissioned by Octa, Isko shows that she has a strong lead in the mayoral race, with a 78% lead over incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna. His broad base of support, based on his previous popular mandate and his commitment to progress, has positioned him as a formidable contender, and many Manila residents look forward to his return to city hall.