Manila Votes for ‘Lodi’ Isko: Proof You Can’t Go Broke Selling Pa-Cute

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — January 19, 2025

IN THE carnival of Philippine politics, where “diskarte” means winning by any means and “palakasan” drowns out decency, Isko Moreno seems to have discovered the elixir of eternal political charm. With a staggering 72.1% approval in PhilData Trends and 74% in OCTA Research, it’s as if Manila voters are hypnotized by his photo-op charisma and flashbulb governance. Who needs logic or policy when you can offer “pogi points” and a whispered promise of “mabilis na yaman”?In the carnival of Philippine politics, where “diskarte” means winning by any means and “palakasan” drowns out decency, Isko Moreno seems to have discovered the elixir of eternal political charm. With a staggering 72.1% approval in PhilData Trends and 74% in OCTA Research, it’s as if Manila voters are hypnotized by his photo-op charisma and flashbulb governance. Who needs logic or policy when you can offer “pogi points” and a whispered promise of “mabilis na yaman”?

Survey Science or Survey Fiction?

Let’s start with the surveys themselves. While the articles trumpet Moreno’s “broad appeal,” they forget to mention the most important detail: the fine print. How many voters were polled? Were these real voters or a mix of “nagugutom na nanay at tatay” who were promised snacks? And let’s not discount the possibility of some “lagay” here and there—after all, “grabe! ang laki ng ibinigay na pera!”

We’ve all seen this play before. Politicians use surveys like a magician’s top hat: pull out the results you need and distract everyone from asking how the trick works. “Puro daya yan,” the skeptics mutter, but who has time for scrutiny when there’s a glossy photo op to post on Instagram?

The Cult of “Lodi” Isko

Isko Moreno’s appeal seems to rest on two pillars: nostalgia for his “karaniwang tao” narrative and his mastery of political “palabas.” To hear his supporters tell it, he’s the chosen one, destined to save Manila from itself. But scratch the surface, and what you find is less “public servant” and more “self-servant.” Moreno’s brand of “Isko-nomics” is a study in the art of empty promises: grandiose projects that look good in a press release but leave the city’s “nagugutom” families wondering where their next meal is coming from.

Let’s not forget his competition: an incumbent mayor struggling to gain traction, a showbiz personality turned politician, and… wait, who’s Raymond Bagatsing again? In this circus, Moreno doesn’t have to win voters’ trust—he just has to outshine the clowns.

Voter Cynicism: A National Pastime

Of course, none of this would work without the voters’ resigned cynicism. Ask anyone on the streets of Manila, and they’ll tell you, “Pareho lang silang magnanakaw!” It’s a mantra as old as the political dynasties themselves. Why demand accountability when you can settle for a charismatic leader who can at least deliver a convincing “pa-cute” smile?

This isn’t democracy; it’s a reality show. The voters may roll their eyes, but deep down, they’re rooting for their “paborito” contestant to win the prize: the keys to City Hall and, inevitably, a bigger slice of the “kurakot” pie.

Kawawa Naman ang Bayan

As May 2025 approaches, one thing is clear: Manila’s voters are trapped in a system where merit takes a backseat to connections, “palakasan,” and the illusion of progress. Moreno’s lead isn’t just a reflection of his campaign’s strength; it’s a damning indictment of a political culture where cynicism reigns supreme and hope is just another commodity to be bought and sold.

And so, the curtain falls on the “Isko Spectacle,” where voters clap for charisma but skip the substance. Whether this show ends in glory or a nationwide cringe-fest, the plot twist is painfully clear: the “karaniwang tao” is left holding the bill for their misplaced applause. “Kawawa naman ang bayan,” indeed—just don’t expect refunds for bad scripts.