Vice President Sara Duterte is poised to throw her support behind former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in a high-stakes campaign rally tonight, fueling speculation of a political alliance that could disrupt the capital’s electoral race.
Duterte is expected to headline Moreno’s rally at 7:00 p.m. on the corner of Mayhaligue and Masangkay Streets in District 2, Tondo this April 24—an event that’s gaining traction amid reports she may formally endorse his mayoral comeback bid ahead of the May 12 elections.
Such a move would mark a dramatic shift, as Moreno leads the Aksyon Demokratiko party, which includes prominent opposition figures like former senator and current Caloocan mayoralty bet Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV—once a fierce critic of the Duterte administration. The expected show of unity is already stirring conversations within both camps.
Part of Moreno’s District 2 council slate is ex-police colonel Rommel Miranda, who reportedly owns Digital 8 Media Company. The firm allegedly bagged a PHP 200 million contract with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Miranda is also linked to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz and is facing renewed scrutiny for his alleged role in the 2021 killing of a Chinese businesswoman, whose body was found in a septic tank.
Adding to the intrigue are reports of Miranda’s rumored romantic ties with PCO Undersecretary Ana Puod, further blurring the lines between campaign politics and Palace proximity.
Tonight’s rally is widely seen as a potential game-changer in Manila’s volatile mayoral race. All eyes are on whether Sara Duterte’s anticipated endorsement will galvanize Moreno’s campaign and reshape the balance of power in the capital. (TCSP)
