PHOTO: Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domogoso and Dr. Willy Ong during their formal announcement

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso on Wednesday formalized his intention to run for the presidency in the 2022 national election naming Dr. Willie Ong, a former senatorial candidate as his running mate.

“Kaya buong kababaang-loob inihahayag ko sa inyo mga kababayan ko, sa darating na Mayo, tanggapin niyo po ang aking aplikasyon bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas,” he said.

Moreno promised that his administration would be transparent and would not resort to manufactured opinions and false praises.

“Hindi ko pagtatakpan ang katotohanan [I will not hide the truth], neither will I manufacture opinion and false praises. But when assaulted with lies, I believe that the truth, not the trolls, will set you free,” he said.

Moreno also introduce his running mate Dr. Willy Ong.

“100% ang suporta ko sa ‘yo, ipinagdarasal ko lang magawa mo lahat,” Ong said in his speech, addressing Moreno.

Ong said Moreno convinced him to run as his vice president even after he initially turned down the offer.

“Tumawag siya ulit kahit tumanggi na ako. Ang sabi niya, ‘Hindi ka na puwedeng senador doon sa lineup ko. Gagawin na kitang vice president’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna confirmed that she would be running for mayor of the capital city, with Manila Rep. Yul Servo as her vice mayor.

“Alam kong kayang-kaya niya ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan na natin sa bayan na ito,” Domagoso said of Lacuna in his speech.

Lacuna is the daughter of the late Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, who served as Domagoso’s mentor when the former actor started in politics as councilor in the capital.

While Congressman Servo when ask why he did not seek reelection he replied “‘Yun ang napagkasunduan ng partido.”

Servo, Manila’s 3rd district representative, is eligible for another term in the House.

He is also a part of Domagoso and Lacuna’s local party Asenso Manileño.

It was also the incumbent Manila Mayor who encouraged Servo, a fellow actor, to join public service.

Servo said Manila City Council Majority Leader Joel Chua is expected to run for the House position he will vacate.

Moreno was the third incumbent government official that announce their presidential bid, Senators Panfilo Lacson & Manny Pacquiao has made their respective bid.