Some 35,000 Manila residents, hoping for a more sustainable change in Manila and more empowerment of city-dwellers, have decided to throw their support to former Philippine National Police chief Avelino "Sonny" Razon in his bid for the mayoral seat.

Belonging to the citizens group, “We Are the Reason Movement” (WARM), the Manila residents also vowed during a summit held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila Saturday evening to push for genuine positive change not only on the conditions of the city but also the way the local government is managed in particular.

"We are here to call for an active participation in determining the path to development that the city would take and their active involvement in the implementation of the city government programs which we think will benefit its constituents," WARM president Salanie Bacarro told Manila Bulletin.

Bacarro said they started only with less than 50 members but the numbers grew into 8,000 last year when they launched their movement.

Asked as to why they are supporting Razon in his bid, Bacarro said the advocacy of Razon is the same as the goals and beliefs of members of their group.

"We in WARM decided to support the candidacy of former Secretary Razon because aside from his platform of governance, we firmly believe that he is the candidate that is genuinely committed to effecting genuine and sustainable change in Manila and the way the city is governed," he said.