BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Did Cong. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda agree to join forces with Mayor Jerry Treñas ahead of the upcoming midterm elections? In a statement issued on Friday, she appealed to her supporters for patience and to wait for the final announcement.
“We will refrain from making further statements until all details have been finalized, all outstanding issues are resolved, and all terms are agreed upon,” Baronda said.
Baronda confirmed ongoing negotiations meant to “unify the major positions in this election”, referring to the supposed “uniteam” brokered by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez but she did not give more information.
On Thursday, Treñas announced that his “Team Uswag” was joining forces with Baronda’s “Team Gugma”.
“We view this as a positive development,” said Baronda, but she added: “We kindly ask for your patience during this process and appreciate your understanding as we work towards a comprehensive resolution with the city’s best interest in mind.”
On the other hand, in a post on his Facebook page Pastor Stanley Flores, Baronda’s spokesperson, expressed surprise at the mayor’s announcement of a supposed “joint force”.
“Amo lang ni ang Joint Forces nga wala sang Joint Statement! Belib! Abi ko kamo ang mabakod? Negotiate haw? Abi ko READY kag ‘BATO ILOILO?’ Joining Forces haw? No lies here. All their statements!” read Flores’ post.
Treñas announced Thursday the joining of forces “in the spirit of unity” and that he would not seek reelection. He said Baronda would be running unopposed and his daughter and executive assistant, Raisa, would run for city mayor instead of for congresswoman with Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon as her running mate.
“While I have intended to finish my term, I believe it is in the best interest of Team Uswag and the city for me to stand down and focus on fulfilling my duties as City Mayor for the remainder of my term,” said Treñas.
In his post, Flores recalled that Team Uswag announced the supposed meeting with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to patch their differences and develop a “unity ticket” between the two rival parties.
When the above negotiation failed, Flores said the mayor’s camp announced they were ready for a “big fight.”
“NOW: Nagpa “breaking news” nga Joining Forces na daw: Jam-Raisa-Jeffrey. Diin naghalin ang balita? Answer: Reliable Source (hwat!?),” Flores noted.
Before the mayor announced the supposed “joint forces,” Flores clarified that they were still discussing the proposal of the other party ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy.
“We have yet to decide as we are still discussing the proposal of the other party with our supporters and leaders. We will announce any developments as soon as we have reached a decision. We humbly seek your prayers for our guidance,” the statement from Flores read.
Interviewed on Friday, Raisa Treñas said Team Uswag is simply abiding by the instruction from Malacañang on the supposed “uniteam” with Team Gugma.
She also explained that former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was not included in the lineup due to his perpetual disqualification, which bars him from holding any position in government.
On March 15, Treñas endorsed daughter Raisa to run for the congressional seat, effectively splitting from Baronda./PN