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[av_heading heading=’JED SURFACES ON FACEBOOK Mabilog’s wife running for mayor? ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ and CAROLYN JANE ABELLO
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ILOILO City – “To say categorically that I will never throw my hat into the (political) arena might be speaking too soon.”
This was what Maria Victoria Mabilog, wife of former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, told Panay News when asked about the possibility of her running for city mayor.
The Mabilog couple, who left the country in August, surprised Ilonggos with a photo and Christmas message posted on Facebook on Dec. 24.
“From our hearts to your homes, we bring the Christmas message of joy and not fear; redemption and not condemnation; truth and not lies; peace and not hatred,” read part of the message.
The former mayor had been elusive since leaving the country. Though his wife would every now and then make her presence felt on Facebook, he made himself scarce to the public.
The next local election is in May 2019. According to the former first lady of the city, the decision to enter politics is not hers to make alone.
“Neither would it be Jed’s only. It will be up to our two children,” said Mrs. Mabilog.
And for now, she said, “Our eldest daughter seems upset by the rumor (about me entering politics) that’s going around.”
According to Mrs. Mabilog, her daughter believes exposing them to the “painful life of politics” is “cruel.”
“Our family has already given back enough to the community and the city,” said Mrs. Mabilog.
For now, she said she is focused in being a mother and wife.
In the Facebook photo, the Mabilog couple was with their two children. The former mayor appeared in good health although previously, one reason cited for his leaving the country was to seek treatment abroad for diabetes.
The rest of their Christmas message read: “May each one of you receive the gift of discernment that Jesus is the reason for the season and that the obedience and faith of Mary and Joseph made our redemption possible. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas, everyone. Give and receive the gift of love.”
As of this writing, the post had 4.5 thousand reactions, 529 comments and 63 shares.
The Mabilog family left the country in Aug. 31 in the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte’s persistent public accusation against the former mayor as a drug protector.
Mrs. Mabilog has not disclosed their whereabouts abroad but it is widely believed they are in Canada.
“We pray for strength and discernment,” she told Panay News.
In October, her husband was dismissed by the Ombudsman for failing to explain some P9-million increase in his wealth from 2012 and 2013.
Mrs. Mabilog has been very vocal in defending her husband from the President’s tirades. Last month in an apparent jab at Duterte on Facebook, she invited him to “please visit our house” in Molo district should he visit this city.
“(S)o that you will have a first-hand knowledge of what our house truly is like, and then you can hold accountable whoever made you a fool when you were made to believe that it is grander than Malacañang,” she stated.
The city government now led by Mayor Jose Espinosa III invited the President to grace the 50th anniversary of Dinagyang Festival in January next year.
In an Aug. 30 speech in Davao City while describing Malacañang Palace, Duterte said, “Mas gwapo pa ang balay ni Mayor Mabilog…Palasyo. Droga man na. Asa man siya’g kwarta? Ang iyang negosyo? (Mayor Mabilog’s house is more grandiose, a palace. It was because of drugs. Where else would he get the money from? His business)?”
“May the eternal light of truth, peace and be upon you, Mr. President. Enjoy Dinagyang and the peaceful and clean city of Iloilo! Jed and the good people (of Iloilo) made it so,” wrote Mrs. Mabilog on Facebook./PN
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