Mocha Uson, a controversial blogger and former government official, officially filed her certificate of candidacy for councilor of Manila’s 3rd District on Tuesday. Uson, who plans to focus on fighting corruption and restoring efficient governance in the city, is running under the slate of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who also filed his candidacy for mayor earlier that day.
Uson, born Margaux Justiniano Uson, rose to prominence as a media personality and an advocate for former President Rodrigo Duterte. She leveraged her online presence to support the administration, though her political journey has not been without controversy. Uson previously held positions as Assistant Secretary at the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Deputy Administrator at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Her candidacy has drawn mixed reactions, reflecting her divisive role in both entertainment and politics, where she has been accused of spreading misinformation and facing cultural insensitivity criticisms. Despite the controversies, Uson maintains a loyal following and is now turning her attention to local governance, pledging to push for reforms in Manila’s 3rd District if elected.
