Manila, Philippines — Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno could not hide his shock and dismay when he visited a district in the nation’s capital and was greeted by a horrifying sight—piles upon piles of uncollected garbage, clogging streets, canals, and even playgrounds.

In a video that has now gone viral, the former mayor was seen with a furrowed brow and clenched fists, visibly disturbed as he surveyed what once was a clean and orderly part of the city during his administration.

“I did not fight for this city, only to see it rot back into this state!” Isko exclaimed emotionally.

A City Drowning in Waste

The footage shows heaps of plastic bags, rotting food, discarded furniture, and even used diapers, scattered across the sidewalks and spilling into the roads. The foul stench and swarm of flies made the scene almost unbearable for onlookers.

Local residents told reporters they hadn’t seen proper garbage collection for over two weeks, leading to public health concerns and growing anger among communities.

“We’re getting sick! Children are coughing, people are getting rashes. This is unacceptable,” said one mother from Tondo.

Isko’s Unfiltered Reaction

Visibly shaken, Isko couldn’t help but compare the current situation to the time when he was at the helm of the city.

“We worked day and night to clean up Manila. We cleared Baseco, Divisoria, Recto. And now? It’s back to square one. Bakit ganito ulit?”

His voice cracked with frustration as he addressed onlookers and city officials, questioning what had happened to the maintenance systems he put in place.

Public Outrage and Support for Isko

Online, the public rallied behind the former mayor, praising his dedication and expressing disappointment over the current state of the city.

“Sayang ang effort ni Yorme.”

“No other mayor ever cared the way Isko did.”

“Bring back Isko Moreno. Manila needs a fighter again.”

Many netizens shared photos and videos of other parts of the city now suffering from the same neglect—overflowing trash bins, illegal dumping, and stagnant canals.

City Hall Yet to Respond

As of writing, current Manila officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the viral footage and the growing public complaints. Meanwhile, Isko’s visit has reignited calls for a return to active and aggressive urban management in the nation’s capital.

“This isn’t about politics,” Isko said. “This is about the dignity of every Manileño. We deserve better.”

Will Isko Run Again?

With this explosive incident, many are now speculating whether Isko Moreno will be compelled to return to public service, possibly eyeing a comeback in Manila’s next local elections.

Whether or not he takes up the mantle once more, one thing is certain: his love for Manila hasn’t changed—only the state of the city has.

Ex-Mayor Isko: ‘They’re worried that Manila has become a mess again’
Manila mayoral candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso revealed the concerns of Manilans–that “Manila has become a mess again.”

Isko said this during their campaign kickoff last Friday, March 28, at R-10 Road in Manila.

“At our townhall, one thing is common: Their worry now is that Manila has become a mess again… Just kidding, it’s nine in the morning but the garbage is still on the streets. Manilans are really complaining about that,” he said.

Because of this, the former mayor promised to clean up and improve the city.

“Second, aside from cleaning up Manila, we will restore the stability of life in Manila. And that’s why, as you all know, why are we starting with R-10? This R-10, in the past weeks, months, or years, has been in the news. Here it was seen as if there was no government in Manila, so mothers and fathers are once again afraid that their children might be harmed because the tolonges are returning to Manila,” Domagoso added.

Domagoso also encouraged his supporters to stay focused and not fight with supporters of other candidates.