MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso will run for President next year, competing with boxing champion Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao.
The former matinee idol will run in tandem with Willie Ong, a doctor who lost in the senatorial race in 2019, Manila City spokesman Julius Leonen said in a Viber message on Tuesday.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has said Mr. Domagaso — also known as Isko Moreno — does not deserve to be President given his past as a sexy actor.
The actor used to be a scavenger and pedicab driver in one of the most populated districts of the Philippine capital before he was discovered by a talent scout.
Aside from the boxing legend, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson has also announced his presidential ambition. Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has said he would seek a national position.
There is also said to be a clamor for presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for President in the 2022 elections.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo has said she might support a tandem between Mr. Domagoso and Mr. Pacquiao if only to end the ruling party’s dominance. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza