Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso downplayed speculation linking him to a possible bid for higher office in 2028, stressing that his focus remains on leading the capital.
Speaking to reporters in Malacañang during the launch of the expanded Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) on February 23, Domagoso repeatedly signaled he has no interest in seeking a national post.
“Pabayaan niyo na ako dito sa Maynila. Pabayaan niyo na lang ako,” he said.
He added lightheartedly:
“Steady na lang ako sa gedli.”
When asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid and speculation that his name, along with former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, has been floated in political circles, Domagoso replied:
“Sa lokal lang po ako.”
Pressed further if anyone had approached him about higher ambitions, he quipped:
“Tatakbo ako—mayor,”
drawing laughter from reporters.
Domagoso previously ran for president in the 2022 elections, where President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won.
He later staged a comeback in the 2025 midterm polls, defeating former Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna to reclaim the city’s leadership.