MANILA, Philippines — As the 2025 midterm elections approach, former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and his running mate Chi Atienza have garnered the endorsement of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). This support, confirmed by sources despite the absence of an official public announcement from the church, bolsters their campaign as they aim to return to leadership in the nation’s capital.
Isko Moreno, who previously held the mayoral office from 2019 to 2022, is in the race to reclaim his post. The INC’s backing extends beyond the mayoral and vice-mayoral candidates, encompassing 26 out of the 36 individuals running for the Manila City Council under Moreno’s slate. This endorsement by the INC, known for its substantial voting bloc, is anticipated to have a significant impact on the election’s outcome.
Recent survey data from OCTA Research, gathered between April 20 and 23 and published on April 29, positions Moreno as the frontrunner with a commanding 63 percent of voter support. This figure places him well ahead of current Mayor Honey Lacuna, who holds 18%, and Sam Versoza, who garners 16%. The addition of INC’s support, therefore, reinforces Moreno’s lead as the election campaign enters its critical final week.
The implication of INC’s endorsement is notable in Philippine politics, where the church’s unified voting can sway electoral results. As the political landscape intensifies with the election drawing near, Moreno’s camp is poised to capitalize on this backing, hoping to translate it into a successful return to office.
