Metro Manila Mayoral Elections: Incumbents and Dynasties Dominate

In a sweeping display of political continuity, the recent mayoral elections across Metro Manila have reaffirmed the stronghold of incumbent leaders, reelectionists, and influential political families. With nearly all results officially proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as of May 13, 2025, the outcomes reveal a landscape where experience and lineage often trump calls for change. From Manila to Muntinlupa, the electorate’s choices signal both trust in familiar faces and the enduring power of dynastic politics in the Philippines’ urban heartland.

Manila’s Comeback King: Isko Moreno’s Return

In the capital, former Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has staged a remarkable return, securing a second term with a commanding 527,188 votes. His victory over incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, who garnered 189,725 votes, and businessman SV Versoza, with 163,496 votes, underscores a public yearning for his brand of leadership. While awaiting official proclamation due to delays in manual ballot transmission, Domagoso expressed patience in a social media post, stating, “Our ‘Batang Manila’ has waited almost three years for us to return; what is a few hours of waiting for us to be officially proclaimed?”

Lacuna, Manila’s first female mayor, graciously accepted defeat, acknowledging the majority’s decision and expressing gratitude for her historic tenure. “I wholeheartedly accept the decision of the majority” she said in a social media address. Versoza echoed similar sentiments, thanking supporters for their belief in change despite the loss. Domagoso’s return raises questions about whether his past policies will resurface or if new challenges in the capital will demand fresh approaches.

Pasig’s Reformist Retains Trust

In Pasig City, Mayor Vico Sotto secured a third and final term with an overwhelming 345,375 votes, far outpacing opponent Sara Discaya’s 29,104. Sotto’s party, “Giting ng Pasig,” dominated local elections, clinching posts for vice mayor, congressman, and 12 city council seats. Proclaimed alongside his slate, Sotto emphasized institutionalizing reforms during his remaining tenure. “We will strengthen the changes and reforms. We need to ensure that it will be institutionalized” he said in an interview, highlighting a vision to make corruption harder and good governance easier for future leaders.

Sotto’s consistent focus on transparency and reform has resonated with Pasig residents, who appear to value stability over untested alternatives. His landslide victory suggests a mandate to cement a legacy of progressive local governance, though the pressure to deliver tangible results in his final term will be immense.

Caloocan’s Bitter Contest: Malapitan Prevails

Incumbent Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan retained his position with 343,224 votes, defeating former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who secured 226,696. Malapitan thanked his constituents for their renewed trust, promising continued concern and loyal service. “Expect me to continue to repay this with continued malasakit and loyal service” he said in a statement. Trillanes, while conceding, pointed to systemic challenges, alleging that financial influence exploited voters’ poverty. “We still cannot overcome the opponent’s financial force which exploited the poverty of our countrymen just to stay in office” he said, hinting at future political engagement in Caloocan.

Trillanes’ critique highlights a recurring theme in Philippine politics: the intersection of economic disparity and electoral outcomes. While Malapitan’s victory reflects voter confidence, the significant support for Trillanes suggests a sizable constituency eager for change, potentially shaping future contests in the city.

Dynastic Strongholds: Binay and Aguilar Prevail

In Makati City, outgoing Senator Nancy Binay claimed victory with 112,703 votes, edging out former Representative Luis Campos, who received 83,721. Makati remains a bastion of the Binay family, with Nancy succeeding her sister, outgoing Mayor Abby Binay. The familial grip on local power continues to define Makati’s political identity, raising questions about diversity in leadership and the potential for entrenched interests to overshadow broader representation.

Similarly, in Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar emerged as the new mayor with 116,680 votes, narrowly defeating her cousin Carlo Aguilar, who garnered 80,018. Her call for unity transcended partisan divides, as she stated, “Now, more than ever, let us unite as one city. It’s no longer about colors or parties, but about the welfare of every Las Piñero.” The Aguilar family’s dominance in Las Piñas mirrors national trends where political clans maintain influence across generations, often to the exclusion of new voices.

Tight Races and Uncontested Wins

While many races saw clear victors, Marikina City’s contest was notably close. Maan Teodoro, wife of outgoing Mayor Marcy Teodoro, won with 142,331 votes against Representative Stella Quimbo’s 111,140. Teodoro urged unity, stating, “This is also a time for us to unite and work together, regardless of our political affiliations.” Quimbo, acknowledging the painful loss, respected the democratic process, saying, “The voice of the people prevails.” The narrow margin indicates a polarized electorate, potentially setting the stage for competitive future elections.

In stark contrast, several mayors faced no significant opposition. Quezon City’s Joy Belmonte ran virtually unopposed, securing over 1 million votes for her final term. Valenzuela’s Wes Gatchalian, Navotas’ John Rey Tiangco, Mandaluyong’s Menchie Abalos, and Muntinlupa’s Ruffy Biazon all won without serious contenders, reflecting either overwhelming public support or a lack of viable alternatives. Abalos, Mandaluyong’s first female mayor, celebrated a clean sweep for her “Team Performance” slate, promising improved service. “We will not waste this opportunity to improve our service for every Mandaleño” she said.

Broader Implications for Philippine Politics

The Metro Manila mayoral elections underscore the enduring influence of incumbency and political dynasties in shaping local governance. While leaders like Vico Sotto represent a push toward reform and accountability, the prevalence of family names—Binay in Makati, Aguilar in Las Piñas—points to a system where lineage often equates to legitimacy in voters’ eyes. This dynamic, coupled with allegations of financial influence as voiced by candidates like Trillanes, raises concerns about the accessibility of political spaces for outsiders or reformist challengers.

Moreover, the lack of serious opposition in cities like Quezon and Valenzuela may indicate voter satisfaction, but it could also reflect structural barriers to entry, such as resource disparities or entrenched patronage networks. Political analysts suggest that while these results stabilize local governance in the short term, they may stifle innovation and diversity in leadership over time. If unaddressed, such trends could deepen public disillusionment, particularly among younger voters seeking systemic change.

The role of economic inequality in elections also looms large. Trillanes’ remarks about financial exploitation resonate with broader critiques of “vote buying” and patronage politics, practices that disproportionately affect impoverished communities. Addressing these issues requires not only legal reforms but also grassroots efforts to empower voters with information and alternatives.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Metro Manila’s newly elected and reelected mayors prepare to govern, their mandates come with distinct challenges. For returning leaders like Domagoso and Sotto, the focus will likely be on balancing past promises with emerging urban issues—traffic congestion, housing shortages, and climate resilience among them. For those from political dynasties, the task is to prove that their leadership transcends family ties and delivers inclusive progress.

Meanwhile, defeated candidates like Trillanes and Quimbo have signaled intentions to remain active, potentially galvanizing opposition movements. Their persistence could invigorate local politics, offering voters more choices in future cycles. For now, Metro Manila’s political landscape remains a complex tapestry of continuity and aspiration, where the weight of history often shapes the path forward.

As these leaders settle into their roles, the region watches closely. Will reforms take root in cities like Pasig, or will dynastic politics further entrench in strongholds like Makati? Only time will tell, but the voices of over a million voters across Metro Manila have set the stage for the next chapter of urban governance.