ILOILO City – Contrary to the falsehoods being spread, Team Sulong Gugma councilors, led by vice mayoral frontrunner Love-Love Baronda, are committed to facilitating people-centered programs and upholding the principle of checks and balances through genuine deliberation and scrutiny — unlike the incumbent “rubber stamp” City Council.
“Team Sulong Gugma has gained significant momentum, and it’s unfortunate that our opponents are now resorting to baseless attacks. They are trying to mislead the Ilonggo people by claiming that we intend to be obstructionist members of the City Council. That is a blatant lie. Fiscalizing is not the same as obstructing,” Baronda asserted.
She emphasized that services such as free dialysis, free medicines, educational scholarships, and feeding programs will be strengthened.
“These programs are essential to uplifting the lives of the poor. We will not only sustain them — we will improve their delivery and expand their reach,” she added.
“Mayor (Jerry) Treñas is not used to being questioned. For him, seeking clarification is equated with obstructionism. But in a representative government, scrutiny is essential,” said councilor aspirant Stanley “Big Bro” Flores, a former legislative staffer of Sen. Joel Villanueva and Cong. Eddie Villanueva. “What we have now is a City Council that merely echoes the mayor’s will, which has led to unexamined policies and worsening public conditions.”
Councilor candidate and former executive assistant Bryant Zulueta added, “We want to end the practice where whatever the mayor wants, the mayor gets. Our support will always be based on whether a measure benefits the people. We will push for refinement if needed, and we will oppose measures that harm the public. That’s what democracy is.”
Atty. Kesha Pesina Tupas echoed the sentiment, recalling the tenure of her father, former Councilor Antonio “Tony” Pesina.
“Back then, the Council had vigorous debates to defend public interest. That is the kind of City Council we aim to restore. We will uphold our duties under the Constitution and the Local Government Code. Scrutiny is not obstruction. They are fundamentally different,” she said.
Business executive Peter Oñate II cited the 300% Real Property Tax (RPT) increase as a failure of legislative diligence: “It was only reduced to 260% after the backlash, but the damage had already been done. This tax burden contributed to one of the highest inflation rates among HUCs. If the Council had studied it properly, this could have been avoided.”
Young entrepreneur and community leader GM Ariete Ramos stressed the need for accountability.
“They want puppets in the Council because they fear being questioned. But the people want protection — of their rights, money, and welfare. Substantial discussions in the Sangguniang Panlungsod are the key to safeguarding public interest. Today, we suffer from anti-poor policies, rampant fees, and unchecked loans — all rubber-stamped by the City Council,” he said.
Psychiatrist Dr. Von Deveza pointed out the urgency of healthcare support: “There is a rising number of CKD Stage V patients needing hemodialysis. Our hospitals are overwhelmed. Team Sulong Gugma will push for more dialysis centers in all seven districts. PhilHealth covers HD costs, so it is financially feasible and sustainable.”
Broadcaster Jun Capulot added a pointed critique in Hiligaynon: “Indi lang gusto ang hari nga kwestyonon ang iya bata kay basi indi makasabat. Pero laban-laban sini ang hari ang ma-akto nga alkalde kay siling niya i-mentor niya ang bata niya. Ti naanad na ang hari nga nagaya-ob ang mga konsehal sa iya.”
“Ti gusto ya amo man na gihapon ang matabo,” Capulot added. “Pero indi na ina pwede kay lantawa bala, ang RPT (real propery tax) increase ta indi magkaraamo. Nagpinataka lang pangutang bilyon-bilyon. Nagpinanukot parking fee, nagpataas garbage fee kag ano pa nga fees.”
Capulot assured the public that Team Sulong Gugma is determined to put an end to policies and practices that cause hardship and suffering to the Ilonggo people, emphasizing that this will be achieved through a firm commitment to checks and balances in governance.
Corporate executive Jose “Mor” Espinosa IV called for a fresh start.
“The current Council has fallen short of expectations. It’s time for new voices who will stand for the people — even against the mayor, if necessary. True development requires functioning systems. What we have now is an illusion of progress. The city is hurting — people can’t afford food, education, or healthcare. We need a cure, and a dynamic, innovative City Council is the remedy,” said Espinosa.
Former city councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog added, “The current Council just says yes to everything the mayor proposes. That’s why we’re in this mess. The tax ordinance was passed in haste, without scrutiny or debate.”
Atty. R. Leone “Boots” Gerochi, a three-term councilor, emphasized the legislative role: “Asking tough questions doesn’t mean we’re against a measure. It means we’re doing our job — to ensure that ordinances are necessary, just and beneficial. We are not elected to be yes-men to the mayor.”
Iloilo City lone district’s Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda summarized the position: “Team Sulong Gugma is about the Ilonggos — their welfare, their future. Mayor Treñas must be held accountable, especially in matters of loans, taxes, and public spending.”
She emphasized, “These are the real issues, the plight of the poor worsened by the loans, taxes and fees being charged by the City Hall. And we are thankful that the Ilonggos know that these are the things that matter and should matter as they choose their next set of servant-leaders.”
Team spokesperson Atty. John Mallare concluded, “What we call checks and balances, they label as obstruction. That’s not just wrong — it’s dangerous. We will stand firm in protecting the public interest. We won’t be silenced or manipulated. The people deserve better, and that’s what we’re here to deliver.”
With just under two weeks to election day, campaign manager and former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog urged voters: “Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Reflect on the candidates’ platforms. The choice is clear: a brighter future with Team Sulong Gugma, or continued suffering under more taxes, loans, and unjust fees.”/PN
