Then Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, July 15, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Tuesday conceded defeat in the 2025 mayoral race, ending her re-election bid as the city’s first female chief executive with a message of gratitude.

The concession came a day after unofficial results showed former Manila mayor Isko Moreno leading the vote count.

Moreno, who previously served from 2019 to 2022, made a successful political comeback under the “Aksyon Demokratiko” banner.

Isko Moreno’s proclamation delayed due to pending manual transmissions

In a video message posted online, Lacuna thanked her supporters, campaign team, and the residents who stood by her during her term and re-election bid.

“Nais kong ipahayag ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat… Maraming maraming salamat sa mga naglaan ng panahon, sa mga nag-alay ng kanilang lakas, talino, at kakayahan sa pagsama sa ating kampanya,” she said.

Lacuna accepted the results of the polls, saying: “Buong kababaang loob nating tinatanggap ang kapasyahan ng higit na nakararami.”

“Maraming salamat sa pagbigay ninyo ng pagkakataon na ako'y maging kauna-unahang babaeng punong lungsod sa kasaysayan ng Maynila. Habang buhay kong handog sa inyo ang pagmamahal ng isang ina at kalinga ng isang doktora,” she said. 

Isko Moreno says ‘utang na loob’ to Lacuna won’t override duty to public