Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) — The young Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso won the Manila mayor race, besting his former allies and two older leaders of the Philippine capital — outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada and former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Moreno's victory was by a wide margin, bagging 357,925 votes, ahead of Estrada, who got 210,605 votes. Estrada is backed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional party of presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Coming in third is Lim, of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan with 138,923 votes.

In campaigning to become the next chief executive of Manila, Moreno emphasized the need for someone younger at the helm: "Mas aasenso ang bayan 'pag bata ang mayor. [Translation: This city will be better if the mayor is more youthful.]”

While he has defeated seasoned politicians, Moreno is no stranger to politics himself.

After being plucked out of the slums of Manila to become an actor, Moreno eventually became a member of the Manila City Council in 1998.

He later served as the city’s vice mayor for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2016, winning as running mate of both Lim and Estrada in different elections. For this, Moreno has been called an ingrate by the Estrada camp.

Challenge for the youngsters

Moreno expressed his gratitude to Manila voters for their trust and support.

He said his victory was a huge “challenge” for younger politicians like him.

“Siguro nagiging iba na rin ang trend ng mga botante ngayon, as you can see, marami ring mga bata na talagang nag-excel this elections at marami pong tinamaan na dynasty,” Moreno said in an interview with CNN Philippines.