ILOILO City – A public exchange over criticism of City Hall has drawn a sharp distinction between loyalty to Iloilo City and scrutiny of those governing it, with Mayor Raisa Treñas questioning provincial information chief Nereo Lujan’s cryptic social media posts and Lujan insisting that challenging government officials does not mean attacking the city.
Treñas on Tuesday questioned why Lujan, head of the Iloilo Provincial Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), appeared critical of the city government despite Iloilo City’s achievements and favorable public image.
“Why is he so blinded that Iloilo is very beautiful? Dapat ang kuwestiyunon naton, siya. Ano ang problema niya?” Treñas said.
The mayor pointed to positive public feedback about Iloilo City, particularly on social media.
“Katahom sang aton siyudad. Maglantaw ka sa social media, madamo ang nagadayaw sang aton siyudad,” she said.
Treñas said she has yet to discuss the issue with Iloilo Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., citing her busy schedule and ongoing city government projects.
She also said the provincial government has already issued a memorandum concerning the social media activities of its employees.
Rather than dwell on Lujan’s posts, Treñas said her administration would remain focused on programs and projects for residents.
“We continue to do what’s good for our city and to aim our goal as Top Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines,” Treñas said.
‘CRITICISM IS OF GOVERNANCE’
Lujan, however, rejected the suggestion that his criticisms were directed against Iloilo City, saying his comments concerned the decisions, policies, priorities and actions of those running its government.
“I was born in Iloilo City. This is my city, part of my identity and my story. I have never put Iloilo City down, and I would never take pleasure in seeing it diminished,” Lujan said.
He stressed that criticism of public officials should not be equated with criticism of the city itself.
“If I have been critical, my criticism has been directed at the people running the city – their decisions, policies, priorities, and actions. That is very different from criticizing Iloilo City itself,” he said.
Lujan said questioning public officials is part of holding government accountable.
“Questioning those in authority does not mean being against the city. On the contrary, I speak because I care about what happens to Iloilo City and because I believe that those entrusted with its governance should be open to scrutiny and criticism,” he said.
He also stressed that administrations and political leaders come and go, while Iloilo City belongs to its people.
“Iloilo City is much bigger than any mayor, administration, political group, or generation of public officials. It belongs to its people,” he said.
Lujan reiterated that his criticisms were aimed specifically at governance.
“My criticism is not of Iloilo City. It is of governance when I believe governance deserves to be questioned,” he said./PN
