BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas was unfazed by the recent move of his erstwhile political ally, Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda, who joined the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) on May 7.
“Politics is the art of the possible. Let us see what is possible. Amo gid ina sa life,” said Treñas.
But he maintained that his daughter, Raisa Maria Lourdes Treñas-Chu, will take her oath before Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., regional chairperson of the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
Treñas recalled that the ruling party at that time did not also give him the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) in 2010 and 2019.
“Dako gid nga bulig kon upod sa administration official party. But again, politics is the art of the possible,” said Treñas.
The mayor then pointed to God, whom he said must have purpose for everything that happened. “Pati lang kita sa mahal nga Dios sa tanan ta nga gina obra.”
In his press briefing, Governor Defensor stressed that he would wait for national party leaders to guide how the alliance with Lakas-CMD would affect local party dynamics.
He was referring to the repercussions of Treñas-Chu joining PFP after Baronda’s recent switch to Lakas-CMD.
The mayor earlier said he would be fielding his daughter for congresswoman.
“[PFP] will have a party committee that will attend to the dynamics of the local elections. There are various parties and many people who want to run, and not just us. It will be leveled off,” said Defensor.
Baronda, a former member of the National Unity Party (NUP), switched to Lakas-CMD two months after she and Mayor Treñas ended their political alliance.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Lakas-CMD party president, administered the oath to Baronda as new party member in a simple ceremony at the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives.
In a statement, Baronda confirmed she attended the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Lakas-CMD Alliance a day after. She has yet to confirm whether or not she will seek reelection.
“After thoroughly weighing all options, I have decided that it is in the best interest of the people of Iloilo City that I join Lakas party. This decision has not been reached lightly. I will always cherish the relationship formed and the experiences gained during my stay with the (NUP),” said Baronda.
Romualdez welcomed the new party members as he expressed confidence that they would provide meaningful contributions to advance the ideals of Lakas-CMD, citing their dedication to public service.
“Together we can leverage Lakas-CMD’s significant representation in the House of Representatives and extensive membership nationwide to address the pressing issues facing our nation and advance policies that promote inclusive growth and prosperity for all,” Romualdez said.
With a hundred, Lakas-CMD is currently the biggest party in the House of Representatives at present. The House has 309 members./PN