ILOILO City – Outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas delivered a confident farewell during the city government’s Monday flag ceremony on June 23, declaring that he is stepping down with no regrets and full trust in his daughter and successor, Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu.
“I have no regrets. I’ve done my best,” Treñas said, reflecting on his years in public service. “I did what I thought was right under the circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I often lost my temper, because that’s what the situation required. But now, life is more peaceful.”
Treñas, who will complete his final term on June 30, assured Ilonggos that the transition to the new administration is smooth and that the city is on solid footing for continued growth. He reaffirmed Iloilo City’s push to becoming one of the country’s top three most livable, resilient, inclusive, and green cities.
Among the accomplishments he cited was the hiring of 52 lawyers to strengthen the city’s legal foundation.
“So we can ensure that everything we do is legal,” he said, noting that these lawyers are deployed not only in the City Legal Office but also across departments.
The mayor also took pride in leaving office with a clean record.
“I am ending my administration without ever being suspended and with no record of disallowance from the Commission on Audit,” he emphasized.
Treñas expressed gratitude to Ilonggos for their trust and appealed for continued cooperation with the incoming administration.
“I thank all Ilonggos. I also ask everyone to continue supporting the next administration,” he said.
His departure closes a significant chapter in Iloilo City’s political history. Treñas first served as mayor from 2001 to 2010 and returned to the post in 2019. In October 2023, he announced he would no longer seek re-election. His daughter Raisa ran in his place and secured victory under their party’s banner.
Treñas said he is confident that his daughter will uphold the principles of good governance and further advance the city’s progress./PN
