Manila mayoralty candidate Sam Verzosa calls for transparency with ‘Manila is not for sale!’ rally
A wave of concern and demand for answers has swept through Manila as mayoral candidate Sam Verzosa and his supporters took to the streets on Friday, February 7, 2025. Their march, from the Manila Post Office to the historic Kartilya ng Katipunan, carried a clear message: “MANILA IS NOT FOR SALE!”
Verzosa, an entrepreneur and TV host, has ignited a firestorm by questioning the alleged sale of city-owned properties. He claims that these transactions, potentially involving billions of pesos, have been shrouded in secrecy.
“Ito ho ang ‘Manila is not for sale!’ movement,” Verzosa declared. “Ito ay panawagan para sa pagpapaliwanag ng pagbebenta ng mga ari-arian ng Maynila, sino ang mga nakinabang, saan napunta ito, sino ang mga nakabili. Kasi talagang pinagtakpan po ito. Bilyun-bilyong pera ng Manileño ang hindi napunta sa kanila at hindi na mapapakinabangan at iilan ang nakinabang.”
[Translation: This is the ‘Manila is not for sale!’ movement. This is a call for explanation regarding the sale of Manila’s properties, who benefited, where did it go, who bought them. Because it has been covered up. Billions of pesos of the people of Manila did not go to them and cannot be used, and only a few benefited.]
Verzosa and his team have presented documents that they believe prove the sale of numerous Manila properties, allegedly without proper public disclosure. He is demanding accountability from city officials, urging them to reveal where the money from these sales has gone.
“Wag nating hayaan ibenta at pakinabangan muli ng iilang namumuno ang ari-arian ng Maynila,” Verzosa implored, calling on Manileños to stand up for their city’s assets.
[Translation: Let us not allow the few leaders to sell and benefit from the properties of Manila again.]
He further alleges that these funds, which he believes should have been used for essential services like healthcare, housing, and education, have instead been misappropriated.
“Bilyon-bilyon pera ng Manilen sana sa pang-hospital, pabahay, at pag-aaral ng Manilenyo ay kinulimbat lang!” Verzosa exclaimed.
[Translation: Billions of pesos of the people of Manila that should have been for hospitals, housing, and education of Manileños were just embezzled!]
Verzosa is particularly critical of the silence from city officials on this matter. “Hanggang ngayon tikom ang bibig nila at iniiwasan ipaliwanag saan napunta ang bilyon-bilyon pera at sino ang nakinabang at nakabili ng mga ari-ariang ito,” he stated.
[Translation: Until now their mouths are shut and they avoid explaining where the billions of pesos went and who benefited and bought these properties.]
As the May 2025 elections draw near, Verzosa’s campaign has gained momentum, fueled by his promise to bring transparency and accountability to Manila’s government. When asked about his readiness to face a strong rival candidate, Verzosa responded with unwavering determination:
“Lalaban po kami hanggang dulo! Lalo na palakas tayo nang palakas. Parami nang parami ang naniniwala at nalalamaman na unti-unti ng Manileño lahat ng ginawang pang-aabuso, pangungurakot, katiwalian ng mga nakaraang administrasyon. Unti-unti nang nalalaman ng ating mga kababayang Manileño kaya naniniwala akong parating na ang pagbabago dito sa minamahal nating lungsod ng Maynila.”
[Translation: We will fight until the end! Especially as we get stronger and stronger. More and more people believe and are gradually learning about all the abuses, corruption, and malfeasance of past administrations. Our fellow Manileños are gradually learning about it, so I believe that change is coming to our beloved city of Manila.]
The chants of “Bago naman! Bago naman!” (Someone new! Someone new!) from his supporters underscore the growing desire for change in Manila.
Verzosa’s allegations have yet to be addressed by city officials. As the election approaches, the people of Manila await answers and a resolution to this contentious issue.
