ILOILO – Former Iloilo governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr. has formally endorsed Anilao mayor Lee Ann Debuque as the next vice governor of Iloilo, backing her candidacy alongside the reelection bid of his son, Gov. Arthur “Toto” R. Defensor Jr.
Defensor Sr., a political veteran with an undefeated track record and former 3rd District congressman, described Debuque as a “game changer” in Iloilo politics, urging voters to support leadership based on integrity and capability rather than financial influence.
“Lee Ann Debuque is the right choice,” Defensor Sr. said in a public statement. “We are capable of changing the political landscape. This election should begin the realization of the people’s dreams — of a government that genuinely serves.”
Debuque, 30, rose to national prominence in 2016 as the youngest mayor in the Philippines at age 22. A consistent advocate for good governance, her administration earned six “Seal of Good Local Governance” awards from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recognizing excellence in financial transparency, project implementation, and regulatory compliance.
The influential Iglesia Ni Kristo that votes as a bloc has reportedly thrown its support behind Debuque.
A graduate of Industrial Pharmacy from the University of the Philippines Manila, Debuque hails from a family rooted in public service.
Her maternal grandparents were respected educators and health professionals in Iloilo, while her late father, Mayor Joel “Batok” Debuque, and mother, Matet Debuque, served as local government officials in Anilao and Janiuay.
“I may be young, but I am not inexperienced,” Debuque said in a campaign statement. “I am ready to take on the responsibility of provincial leadership. You can count on me to deliver progress and pride for every Ilonggo.”
Debuque’s achievements also extend to tourism and social protection. Under her leadership, the Banaag Festival of Anilao was twice awarded “Best Tourism Event” by the Department of Tourism and Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines in 2018 and 2019.
She was also named “National Gawad Parangal Outstanding Local Chief Executive” for her social welfare initiatives.
Her leadership has garnered growing support across Iloilo, including within the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, where she has served as an official since 2019.
Mayor Debuque has participated in international conferences on local governance and economic development, representing Iloilo in forums in Washington D.C., South Korea, and Thailand.
If elected, she pledged to champion Gov. Defensir’s advocacies and reform platform in the sanggunian.
Aside from Gov. Defensor, congressmen Lorenz Defensor, Ferj Biron and Mike Gorriceta also support Debuque together with majority of Iloilo mayors and barangay captains./PN
