Sam Verzosa concedes defeat in Manila City mayoral race

Sam Verzosa has conceded defeat in Manila City's mayoral race in the 2025 midterm elections.

In a social media post on Monday, the entrepreneur said he fully accepts the decision of his fellow Manileños and thanked supporters who stood by him throughout his campaign.

“Ngayong gabi, buong puso kong tinatanggap ang desisyon ng taumbayan. Bagamat hindi nangyari ang hinahangad nating resulta, ako po ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa bawat isa sa inyo na naniwala, sumuporta, at lumaban para sa Pagbabago,” Sam wrote.

He said the battle he faced was no easy feat, acknowledging that running for office for the first time came with significant challenges.

“Ngunit sa bawat kaway, yakap, halik at tapik ninyo sa balikat ko sa kalsada, naramdaman ko ang Pagmamahal nyo at tunay na diwa ng serbisyo at malasakit,” he said.

Sam then thanked all the volunteers, staff, youth, and parents who stood up for change, emphasizing that his campaign is not just about winning but also giving voice to those who have long been unheard.

He also congratulated the leading mayoral candidate, Isko Moreno.

“Nais ko pong batiin ang nanalong kandidato. Hiling ko na ang kanyang tagumpay ay tagumpay rin ng buong lungsod. Manila deserves nothing less than honest, transparent, and compassionate leadership,” Sam said.

Despite losing, Sam said that his advocacy will not end here and that his dream for better health services, education, livelihood, and an open and honest government will remain in his heart.

“Magpapatuloy po ako sa pagseserbisyo sa ating bayan sa abot ng aking makakaya, sa aking mga proyekto, at sa araw-araw na buhay. Lahat po ito ay parte ng proseso, Ito ay simula ng isang mas malawak na pakikibaka para sa mas makatarungan at makataong Maynila,” Sam said.

“Muli, mula po sa aking puso.. Maraming Salamat, Maynila. Mahal ko po kayo. Mabuhay ang ating lungsod. Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.

As of 10:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Sam is third in the partial unofficial results for the mayoral race with 132,380 votes. Meanwhile, former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno is leading the race with 430,000 votes. —Jade Veronique Yap/JCB, GMA Integrated News

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