ILOILO City – Former Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon has appealed to Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cong. Julienne Baronda to unite and avoid a potential political conflict in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.
The eight-day period for the filing of certificates of candidacy begins this Oct. 1.
Treñas’ daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, has long announced her intention to run for congresswoman.
Drilon expressed his willingness to mediate between the two camps if needed, stating that the unity of the city’s leadership is vital for the welfare of Iloilo City.
“My appeal for all of them is to unite so that we will not go through a very divisive election. Elections are a natural process of choosing our leaders, but if we can avoid conflict and still elect leaders who will move the city forward, that would be better for our people,” Drilon said in a media interview.
While Drilon admitted that the outcome of the election ultimately depends on the people’s choice, he emphasized the importance of finding a system that would prevent unnecessary political strife.
The former senator also mentioned that he had no knowledge of the recent meeting between Treñas and Baronda in Metro Manila with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and as of now, he has not decided which candidate he will endorse, if any.
However, he noted that if a contest between the two camps becomes inevitable, he will make a decision regarding his endorsement, including his support for national and local candidates.
Drilon, who retired from the Senate in 2022, reiterated that he remains committed to staying in the private sector but will continue to advocate for the best interests of Iloilo City.
Born and raised in Iloilo City, Drilon is a seasoned political figure who has held numerous significant positions throughout his career. He was a four-time Senate President and has served in all major Senate leadership roles. A member of the Liberal Party since 2003, Drilon has been the party’s vice chairman since 2011.
His public service career began in 1986 when he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, followed by his tenure as Secretary of Justice under the administrations of Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.
Drilon’s call for unity comes at a crucial time as political tensions begin to simmer ahead of the 2025 elections, and his influence as a respected statesman continues to hold weight in the city’s political landscape./PN
