ILOILO City – This city’s new political leadership begins with an awkward silence. A day into their terms, newly elected Mayor Raisa Treñas and Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-love” Baronda have yet to meet, exchange greetings, or establish direct communication — despite both publicly declaring a willingness to work together.
The two women, now holding the city’s top posts for the first time in history, come from opposing political camps that faced off during a tense and divisive campaign season. Their continued disconnect since assuming office noon of June 30 is fueling questions about how effectively the city’s executive and legislative branches will function moving forward.
“First of all, I congratulate Vice Mayor Baronda. We’ve worked together before on the same projects,” said Treñas-Chu. “I’m actually looking forward to seeing her. At the end of the day, we only have one goal, to continue the progress of our city. We cannot let politics get in the way.”
Treñas-Chu added that a meeting is in the works.
“We will schedule a meeting soon. We’ve just been very busy during the transition — meeting department heads, planning the first steps. But the city is the priority, and I hope she feels the same way.”
Baronda, however, said she had already made an effort to reach out to the mayor.
“They said before that they tried to reach out to me, but I never received any message, call, or intermediary,” she said. “That’s why I took the initiative and wrote a letter. But until now, there’s been no response.”
She emphasized her openness to dialogue.
“If we’re called, we’re more than willing. We’re just waiting. I’m ready, and so is Councilor Sheen (Mabilog),” said Baronda, referring to her lone party-mate and ally in the city council.
Despite the lack of direct communication, both leaders have voiced a shared commitment to serve the city and leave political friction behind.
Baronda, who began reporting for duty at the New Legislative Building, marked her first day yesterday with a message of empowerment: “This isn’t just my personal victory,” she said in Hiligaynon. “This is a triumph for every woman who dares to lead, and for every Ilonggo who believes in leadership anchored on compassion, integrity, and public service.”
She likewise extended her congratulations to Treñas-Chu and reiterated her readiness to cooperate.
The symbolic handshake between the mayor and vice mayor, however, remains pending — and with it, the test of whether divided politics can yield united governance./PN
