BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas and Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda have parted ways politically after two successful elections together.
In a press conference yesterday, Treñas announced that his daughter and executive assistant, Raisa Treñas-Chu, will be his official candidate for congresswoman in next year’s midterm elections.
He also confirmed meeting with Baronda, who assured him she respects his decision.
Treñas helped Baronda win the city’s congressional seat twice, in 2019 and 2022.
Asked what made him decide to drop Baronda, Treñas referred to unspecified circumstances but declined to go into details.
He said discussing them was already unnecessary because “natapos naman ang ini nga mga bagay.”
“Almost 100 percent of all barangay officials are supporting our decision (to field Raisa). They met with me and showed their support,” said the mayor.
Treñas said he was grateful that Baronda respects his decision and that the latter was also thankful to him for allowing her to serve the city’s lone district for two terms. He said this avert a possible ugly feud.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to toss the torch to my daughter, Raisa, who will run for congresswoman, backed by overwhelming support from our barangay officials. Grateful for Cong. Baronda’s trust and partnership as we continue serving our beloved city.”
But why Raisa in lieu of Baronda?
Treñas said Raisa has been running an organization and their family business for a long time.
Raisa finished her Political Economy degree at Assumption College in San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.
She also earned a master’s degree at the Ateneo de Manila University in Manila.
“She is very qualified to become a legislator,” insisted Treñas.
For her part, Raisa said that she and Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Rep. Jojo Ang plan to implement more development programs in the city.
“We have one vision with the mayor. Whatever his vision, we will follow it for the continued development of the city,” said Raisa.
The city mayor said his daughter has started visiting various barangays to also get their support in her congressional bid.
Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, meanwhile, will remain as the running mate of Treñas in next year’s election.
‘HONEST CONVERSATION’
In a statement, Baronda confirmed she met with Treñas yesterday morning and had “a sincere and honest conversation on various topics.”
She gave no details of the conversation but voiced her appreciation to Treñas for giving her the opportunity to serve as the city’s lone district congresswoman.
Baronda was silent on what would be her next move for the 2025 elections.
Would she seek reelection and in the process clash with Raisa? Would seek another elective post. Or would she give politics a rest?
The congresswoman gave no hint in her statement. But she warned that “giving in to political division and letting our beloved city’s future get derailed would be a grave mistake.”
“Nagapasalamat gid kita sa kahigayunan nga ginhatag sa aton sang aton pinalangga nga mayor kag sang pumuluyo sang sini nga syudad para makapangalagad sa inyo bilang inyo congresswoman,” Baronda said.
She added: “I love our people, our barangay captains and leaders, and our city. Let love and unity reign in Iloilo City.”
Treñas, of the National Unity Party, won in a landslide victory after garnering 187,691 votes against his challenger, broadcaster Salvador “Jun” Capulot, who garnered only 54,552 during the May 2022 elections.
Baronda also won by a margin of more than 60,000 votes against former mayor Jose “Joe” Espinosa III./PN
