ILOILO City – In a display of political consolidation, the Iloilo City Council has finalized its internal reorganization by assigning all 32 committee chairmanships exclusively to members of the majority bloc — leaving lone opposition councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog entirely excluded from leading any committee.
The move sidelines Mabilog, an ally of Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, from steering legislative discussions despite her expressed interest in chairing key committees aligned with her advocacy and experience.
She had earlier sought to head either the Committee on Education or the Committee on Labor and Employment, citing her background at the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and her longstanding commitment to youth development.
“Gusto ko gid mangin chairman sang committee sa employment kag education… handa ako magserbisyo,” Mabilog had said in a previous interview, stressing the importance of improving education access even with the city’s free college program.
Her appeal, however, was unheeded. The chairmanship of the Committee on Education went to Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, while the Labor and Employment post was given to Councilor Alan Zaldivar — who was also assigned the Health and Cooperatives committees.
The finalized committee assignments, set for formal adoption during the council’s regular session today, July 9, appear to reflect the strength in numbers of Mayor Raisa Treñas’ City Council allies.
Mabilog now faces the challenge of legislating without a formal committee leadership role.
Heavyweight assignments went to Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia, who will helm three powerful bodies: the Committee on Appropriations, Rules and Ordinances, and the Blue Ribbon Committee on Public Accountability.
Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna likewise secured three key chairmanships: Police and Public Safety, Transportation, and Public Information.
Other major committee appointments include:
* Councilor Jose Maria Miguel Treñas – Urban Planning, Tourism, and Local Accreditation
* Councilor Maria Irene Ong – Ways and Means, and Barangay Affairs
* Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres – Women and Family Relations, and Agriculture
* Councilor Johnny Young – Engineering, Disaster Management, and Animal Welfare
Once ratified, the committee assignments will govern deliberations over crucial matters such as budget allocations, social services, and local infrastructure for the remainder of the council’s term./PN
