ILOILO – “We don’t talk about (political) break-up,” was Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s reply to questions from journalists about the potential split within political party lines ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.
The question was spurred by the breakup between Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cong. Julienne Baronda for the upcoming 2025 elections. Treñas dropped Baronda to clear the way for the candidacy of his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, for congresswoman.
According to Defensor, the working relations between his administration and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), led by Vice Gov. Christine Garin, are good despite him and Garin belonging to different political parties.
Defensor is affiliated with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whereas Garin is with the Nacionalista Party.
“No issue, no judgment…just like with our congressmen, our mayors, regardless of their party affiliations,” Defensor said.
He also said that while he is a member of the President’s party, other political groups in the province are also allies of the Marcos administration.
“Therefore, we do not discuss breakups. Our priority remains our collaboration with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Despite our differing party affiliations, we work well together, including with our mayors, despite not having campaigned together in past elections,” stressed Defensor.
In the 2022 elections, despite their political differences, Defensor and Garin supported one another’s campaigns for re-election.
For the 2025 elections, Defensor is eligible for a third and final term as governor, whereas Garin’s tenure as vice governor will conclude, and she will be eligible to contest for any position, such as governor.
Discussion has inevitably arisen regarding whom Defensor envisions as the next vice governor.
“Officially, there has been no discussion on this matter. The timing of such discussions is uncertain, but at this moment, at the local and provincial levels, there is none,” said.
According to Defensor, the decision regarding his running mate would be guided by the direction of his political party, and he is unaware of the plans of other parties.
“This will evolve in the coming months as political alignments begin to take shape,” said Defensor./PN
