Incumbent Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Dr. Willie Ong had just officialized their candidacy for 2022 elections by filing their certificate of candidacy for presidential and vice-presidential bid today, October 4, 2021.

Moreno, marked as an “actor-turned-politician”, is currently serving his first term as mayor of the City of Manila. He entered politics as Manila councilor in 1998.  Before being elected as the city’s chief, he first served as vice mayor in 2007. 

The presidential aspirant always branded himself as batang Tondo, where he spent his younger years as a scavenger, and entered showbusiness in his teenage years where he was discovered by the late actor German “Kuya Germs” Moreno.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ong is an internet sensation, a popular vlogger followed by 6.58 million subscribers on Youtube and 16 million on Facebook. He served as a consultant of the Department of Health during the time of Aquino administration, and currently works as a cardiologist and internist. Ong’s first attempt to enter politics was when he bid for a senatorial seat in the 2019 elections but lost.

The tandem launched their candidacy last month, and expressed that they neither identify themselves with the administration nor opposition, demonstrating neutrality. 

Moreno and Ong run under the banner of Aksyon Demokratiko party, which is currently headed by Moreno. Recent election surveys show Moreno as one of the top two choices for president in 2022.  

Photo Credit: Facebook/iskomorenodomagoso