The City of Manila is gearing up for a heated mayoral race in 2025, and among the contenders is Mahra Tamondong, a passionate advocate for senior citizens. Her candidacy is seen as a bold move, given the strong competition, yet Tamondong exudes confidence and determination as she campaigns for a more inclusive Manila versus fellow candidates: former mayor Isko Moreno, entrepreneur and TV host Sam Verzosa, actor Raymond Bagatsing, and incumbent mayor Honey Lacuna.
A Heart for the Elderly
For Tamondong, her advocacy for senior citizens is not just a campaign talking point—it’s the very foundation of her decision to run.
During an intimate media conference with TatakMNL in attendance, she shared, “Actually, yung pagtakbo ko ng mayor, ang unang nagsulong talaga sa akin dito [ay] yung mga senior citizen dahil ako po ay senior citizen advocate.
“Sila po talaga ang nagtulak sa akin na lumahok sa nalalapit na halalan, dahil nga po sa pagtulong natin talaga sa mga senior citizen even after [the] 2022 elections.”
She emphasized what she considers the lack of attention and care for the elderly in Manila.
“Dito po, nakita ko talaga yung kakulangan sa mga programa,” she continued. “Yung mga senior na feeling nila na-neglect sila, hindi sila pinapansin.
“Siyempre ang biggest challenge sa akin, yung programa ko na gusto kong maibaba sa taong bayan. Yung direktang benipisyo sa lahat ng programa at yung talaga personal touch ng isang maglilikod para sa taong bayan sa Maynila.”
The Underdog Fighting Four Giants
Tamondong is entering the race alongside notable heavyweights: Moreno, Verzosa, Bagatsing, and Lacuna. Despite being perceived as the “David” among these “Goliaths,” she remains unfazed.
“Sa totoo lamang pag tinatanong nila ako kung natatakot ba ako or anong nararamdaman ko? – wala akong nararamdaman at all,” she explained. “Ang pakiramdam ko po, sila yung pader na hindi matibay. Alam ko, kailangan, isang maglilingkod ay totoo, isang maglilingkod yung magmamahal talaga at magmamalasakit.
“Yun yung nararamdaman ko dahil ang kulang sa Maynila ay yung talagang paglilingkod na totoo, hindi lang nakikita during election, hindi lang nakikita dahil gustong magpabida, kundi dapat kahit behind the camera, kahit na walang eleksyon, dapat tumutulong ka.
“So yon yung nagpatibay sa akin na mas matibay pa sa pader, para sa akin, na ako po ay lalaban na walang katakot-takot.”
A Message of Hope and Responsibility
Tamondong’s vision for Manila centers on genuine service, transparency, and accountability. She calls on the citizens of Manila to make thoughtful decisions in the upcoming election:
“Yung gusto kong maiparating sa Manilenyo, gamitin po natin yung puso natin, wag naman po yung daliri lamang sa oras ng eleksyon. Gamitin po natin ito sapagkat…nakasalalay dito yung kinabukasan ng ating mga anak at mga apo.
“Hindi naman po biro ang maglingkod at lumabas katulad po ng aming ginagawa, pero pinili pa rin po naming gawin sapagkat naniniwala ako na ang buhay po natin ay may dahilan. At ang Panginoong Diyos [ay] lagi tayong gagabayan.”
She also reassures her commitment to reaching out to the grassroots level and making impactful changes for the city:
“Sa Manilenyo, ako po ay narito kasama ang aking Vice Mayor at mga konsehal. Yung paglilingkod po na gusto natin, yung matagal na po nating hinahangad, kailangan mangyari na po ngayon. Yung abutin po ang taong bayan, bumaba sa laylayan, ibaba ang paa sa lupa, pakiramdaman at pakinggan ang taong bayan. Isang malaking bagay na po para sa tunay na pagbabago.
“Kami po ay handang makinig, at handang bumaba sa lahat ng oras. Dahil ang gusto ko pong paglilingkod, yung ako mismo ang gagawa at magiging responsable sa lahat ng programang aming ibababa.
“Kaya sana po, kami po ay nandito, pagbigyan n’yo po at bigyan ng pagkakataon na kami po ay mapakinggan. Gusto lang po naming ang tunay na pagbabago.”
A Promise of True Leadership
Mahra Tamondong’s aims for “tunay na pagbabago” (real change), reflecting her commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people, especially the neglected sectors of society like senior citizens.
Tamondong’s campaign is strengthened by a dedicated team of aspirants:
- For vice mayor: Remy Oyales
- For councilor of District 1: Sylvia Manansala
- District 4: Boyet Mariño, Edwin Cayetano
- District 5: Harry Huecas, Jett Magno, Strauss Tugnao
- District 6: Edwin Pilola Salve
Together, they pledge to bring meaningful programs, listen to the people, and work tirelessly for true change. With courage and determination, Tamondong and her team are ready to fight for a better Manila.
TATAK MNL 
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