ILOILO — Outgoing 3rd District Cong. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor has opened the door to a possible gubernatorial bid in 2028 — and signaled that incumbent Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque, not former Barotac Viejo mayor Nielo “Bongbong” Tupas, could be his running mate.
Defensor, whose congressional term ends in 2028, described the governorship as an attractive option because Iloilo would remain his priority, although he stressed that any decision on his political future would come at the proper time.
“Pero tapuson ko anay ang ining obra ko sa Kongreso kag sugoran ta lang galing ang politika sa husto nga tiempo,” Defensor told reporters Monday, Aug. 24, after the groundbreaking ceremony for the P143-million Iloilo Provincial Hospital Mother and Child Building in Pototan town.
The congressman was more categorical when asked about speculation that Tupas could be his running mate should he seek the governorship in 2028.
“Indi,” Defensor replied.
Instead, Defensor praised Debuque, who still has two more terms available as vice governor, and acknowledged that a Defensor-Debuque tandem could be a good political partnership.
“Maayo ang aton bise gobernador – si Lee Ann Debuque may duha pa sia ka-term kag kun makaupod kami sa ulihi kon madayun gid man maayo man ina nga partneranay,” Defensor said.
The remarks provide an early glimpse into the possible political configuration in Iloilo Province in 2028, when incumbent Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is expected to complete his term.
Cong. Defensor, however, said his immediate focus remains his remaining nearly two years in Congress, particularly his push for several priority legislative measures.
Among these is a legislated wage hike that would provide private-sector workers with annual salary increases, even if modest. Defensor noted that the country has not had a legislated wage hike in 37 years.
He is also pushing for the creation of the Department of Water Resources and Water Commission, saying water deserves greater government attention because of its importance to everyday life.
Another priority is a measure institutionalizing Project NOAH, or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, to strengthen the country’s disaster risk assessment and preparedness system.
Should he eventually seek and win the governorship, Defensor said healthcare would be among the centerpiece priorities of his administration.
Defensor’s name has increasingly surfaced as a potential gubernatorial contender as Iloilo Province approaches the end of Gov. Defensor’s tenure in 2028./PN
