Lacuna: Be wary of ‘toxic’ people seeking a comeback

MANILA, Philippines — “Kung iniwan ka once, kaya niya rin yang gawin ulit (If they left you once, they can do it again).”

This was what reelectionist and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna had to say in a cryptic post shared on social media in observation of “Text Your Ex Day” showing an illustration of a text asking, “Can I still come back,” and a reply saying, “Not anymore,” in Filipino.

“Red flags are red for a reason, nak! Kung iniwan ka once, kaya niya rin yang gawin ulit. Tibay na lang at autopass na sa mga gustong bumalik na toxic,” she said.

(If he leaves you once, he can do it again. Stay strong and autopass on those who are toxic and want to return.)

“Huwag maging marupok, nak (don’t be fragile, my child),” she added.

While it was unclear if the post had humorous intent or if Lacuna was dropping hints against a specific person, netizens quickly pointed out the connection to former Manila mayor and political rival Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

As of this writing, Lacuna’s social media post, which has garnered 11,000 reactions and 3,500 shares, was flooded with comments name-dropping Moreno and comparing the two figures running for mayor in Manila.

“Let’s just pray for Manila. Who ever wins, tayo pa din mga Manileño ang kakayod at magtatrabaho para sa ating mga sarili at para sa ating pamilya (we Manileños will still be the ones who will scrape by and work for ourselves and for our family),” one commenter wrote.

Both Lacuna and Moreno have been embroiled in a heated exchange after a rift developed between them, once tandem partners, when Moreno formalized his bid for the mayoralty in Manila two years after running for president in the 2022 elections.

READ: Isko Moreno fires back at Lacuna for criticizing Manila loans

Lacuna previously said she felt “betrayed” by Moreno’s mayoralty bid as the latter allegedly told her he would retire if he lost the presidential elections.

READ: Manila Mayor Lacuna on Isko’s projected landslide win: I’m not surprised 

In a viral video that made rounds on social media, Lacuna was even seen shouting “Huwag ka nang bumalik (Don’t come back)!” when asked about Moreno’s possible return to politics — to which Moreno replied, “Peace be with you.”