The political temperature in the Philippines has reached a boiling point as two major controversies erupt simultaneously, shaking public trust in both local and national leadership. In the heart of the capital, a bitter feud has exploded between former allies, threatening to tear the city’s governance apart. Meanwhile, on the national stage, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) finds itself in the crosshairs of a massive spending scandal that has taxpayers crying foul over millions of pesos in allegedly overpriced equipment.

The Battle for Manila: A Broken Alliance

The City of Manila is witnessing a political divorce so messy it rivals the most dramatic soap operas. Former Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, once the darling of the city, is now facing serious legal accusations from the camp of his successor and former running mate, Mayor Honey Lacuna. The complainant is none other than Councilor Lei Lacuna, the mayor’s brother and the President of the Liga ng mga Barangay – Manila Chapter.

The accusations are grave. In a petition filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court, the Lacuna camp alleges that Isko Moreno and his allies orchestrated an “illegal, brazen, and planned power grab.” The core of the complaint centers on the alleged manipulation of the Liga ng mga Barangay leadership. According to Councilor Lei Lacuna, Moreno’s camp operated to dismantle the legitimate leadership of the league because of his familial ties to Mayor Honey Lacuna, Moreno’s expected rival in the upcoming elections.

The petition claims that Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, allegedly acting on Moreno’s orders, pressured Lei Lacuna to resign. When he refused, a “fake special election” was reportedly conducted on November 10, electing a new set of officers favorable to the Moreno camp. The complainants argue that this election violated the league’s constitution and bylaws, as it was conducted without proper notice or due process. They describe the move as a “politically motivated” attempt to seize control of the barangay budget and influence, labeling it a “dictatorship” disguised as governance.

Harassment and “Political Vendetta”

The tension goes beyond mere procedural disputes. The Lacuna camp alleges harassment, citing unauthorized meetings organized by city hall representatives and “text brigades” meant to intimidate barangay captains into compliance. They claim that barangay officials were threatened with difficulties if they did not align with the new, allegedly illegitimate leadership.

Councilor Lei Lacuna’s statement was sharp and emotional: “Do not turn Manila into a TV series. This is not Game of Thrones. This is real life that affects two million Manilenyos.” He framed the conflict not just as a fight between two political families, but as a battle of “right versus wrong” and “due process versus abuse of power.” The rift highlights the complete collapse of the “Asenso Manileño” unity that once swept the city, leaving voters caught in the crossfire of a power struggle that has started well before the official campaign period.

National Shock: The “OVP Over-Price” Scandal

While Manila burns with local politics, the national government is facing a firestorm of its own. Recent reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) have shed light on the expenditures of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Sara Duterte, revealing figures that have left the public stunned. The issue has been dubbed by critics as “OVP: Over-Price.”

The controversy revolves around the procurement of equipment at prices that appear to be significantly higher than market value. One of the most glaring items is the purchase of 19 motorcycles for a total of ₱26.372 million. Simple math reveals that each motorcycle cost the government approximately ₱1.39 million. Netizens and critics are asking: What kind of motorcycles are these? Are they luxury BMW big bikes? For a government that constantly preaches austerity, spending over a million pesos for a single motorbike—when a standard reliable model costs a fraction of that—has sparked outrage.

Laptops, CCTVs, and Air Purifiers

The questionable spending does not stop at vehicles. The report also detailed the purchase of three laptops for nearly ₱300,000 each. While high-end gaming or professional laptops exist, the public is questioning the necessity of such expensive specifications for administrative office work. Furthermore, Apple MacBook Air units were reportedly purchased for around ₱120,000 each, a price point that many tech-savvy citizens point out is significantly higher than the standard retail price of around ₱50,000 to ₱60,000 depending on the model.

Other items raised eyebrows as well: CCTVs costing over ₱200,000 per unit, televisions priced at ₱63,000 each, and air purifiers bought for a staggering ₱180,000. Even typical office items like conference tables and air conditioning units were flagged for their high costs. The sheer scale of the alleged overpricing has led to accusations of misuse of public funds, with citizens demanding a transparent explanation for every centavo spent.

A Crisis of Accountability

These twin scandals paint a grim picture of the current state of Philippine governance. In Manila, the allegations suggest a return to strongman tactics where rules are bent to consolidate power. In the OVP, the figures suggest a disconnect between the government’s spending habits and the daily struggles of the ordinary Filipino.

As Isko Moreno prepares for a potential comeback and Vice President Sara Duterte faces continued scrutiny, the electorate is left to wonder: Is this public service, or is it self-service? The cases filed in Manila will likely drag on in the courts, and the OVP’s budget will continue to be dissected in congressional hearings. But the damage to public perception is already done. The coming months promise to be turbulent, as the search for truth battles against the noise of political survival.