Misused public fundsTransparency

Manila's incoming mayor says P2.1 billion in cash advances went to 21 city hall employees in the first five months of 2025, before the change of administration.

Confidence: Alleged · 2 sourcesManila · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

Honey Lacuna, Mayor of Manila (2022-2025)

Also named

Whistleblower

Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, Mayor of Manila

What happened

In his July 2025 State of the City Address, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said P2.1 billion in cash advances were disbursed to 21 city hall employees from January to May 2025, including a P132-million check allegedly encashed on May 9, 2025, three days before the election, and P1.1 billion in advances by a former secretary to ex-mayor Honey Lacuna. He also said the previous administration left about P10.2 billion in unpaid obligations to service providers, and created Task Force FACTS to investigate. These are Moreno's claims as reported by The Philippine Star and Daily Tribune; neither report includes a response from the named officials or Lacuna on these specific figures.

By the numbers (1)

● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported

Figures

○

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said 21 city hall employees made P2.1 billion in cash advances in the first five months of 2025, under the previous administration.2.1B PHP

first five months of 2025Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso

1 source

PhilstarP2.1 billion in cash advances were disbursed to 21 employees in the first five months of 2025

Sources (2)

PhilstarIsko: Manila has P10 billion debt to service contractors -- P2.1 billion in cash advances were disbursed to 21 employees in the first five months of 2025.

Daily TribuneManila is broke -- ISKO: incoming administration cites billions in undocumented cash advances and payables left by the outgoing city government.

Response

Honey Lacuna

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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