ILOILO City – The city government has fortified its legal arm with the official confirmation of Atty. Joseph Edward P. Areño as City Legal Officer, a move hailed by both Mayor Raisa Treñas and Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda as pivotal in ensuring integrity, accountability, and stronger policy guidance at City Hall.
“He truly deserves this post, having served as Officer-in-Charge since July and showing dedication and competence in leading the office,” Treñas said. “My marching order is clear: the City Legal Office must continue to be a pillar of integrity and efficiency, providing sound legal advice, safeguarding the city from liabilities, and helping craft policies that uphold the rights and welfare of our constituents.”
Areño, who has been with the City Legal Office since 2021, rose through the ranks from Juris Doctor assigned to the City Mayor’s Office, then as Attorney II, before becoming Attorney IV in 2024.
He represented the city in court cases, prosecuted administrative complaints, and issued legal opinions on critical issues. He also chairs the Bids and Awards Committee and sits in key committees on zoning, health, business permits, traffic, and investment incentives.
Beyond his City Hall service, Areño’s legal career spans more than 20 years. He began with the Department of Agrarian Reform, where he handled agrarian disputes and farmer beneficiaries’ cases, later heading legal and task force units. He also built extensive private practice from 2006 to 2022 before fully reentering public service.
Vice Mayor Baronda welcomed his confirmation as “a new chapter for City Hall,” saying: “Congratulations kay Atty. Joseph Edward P. Areño sa iya appointment bilang City Legal Officer. Excited kami makita ang bag-o nga energy kag commitment nga iya madala sa serbisyo publiko. May ara gid ya sang daku nga papel ang legal office sa pagpanindugan sang hustisya kag sa pagprotektar sang interes sang mga Ilonggo. Sa imo pagsulod sa public service, sigurado kami nga mas mangin klaro kag patas pa gid ang serbisyo para sa tanan.”
For both Treñas and Baronda, Areño’s appointment signals not just continuity but renewed strength for the city’s legal machinery — entrusting him with the crucial responsibility of steering policies, shielding the city’s interests, and ensuring that justice is served for the people of Iloilo./PN
