Former senator Franklin Drilon is hopeful that Mayor Jerry Treñas and Congresswoman Jamjam Baronda will reconcile and unite again for the sake of Iloilo City.
“I never lose hope nga masettle [the differences between Treñas and Baronda before the 2025 elections],” he said in a media interview.
Last March, Treñas announced that he and Baronda, who are both serving their second term in office, have decided to end their political alliance after two successful elections together.
According to Drilon, he was “not surprised” by the political breakup of the city’s top officials.
“I am not surprised but I do hope that they can find an amicable settlement so that we can continue the progress of Iloilo City,” he said.
“This political contest is natural in a democracy, it’s tough when there is no candidate. I’ve been long enough in politics not to be surprised by the difference among our local officials,” Drilon added.
Asked whom he would support if the rift between Treñas and Baronda remains unsettled, Drilon said: “I never thought of it. But let me state, Mayor Treñas a good friend. He is a good mayor I have been working with him for several years and, in fairness, he has done his job well.”
Treñas said his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, will be his official candidate for the city’s lone congressional seat.
Baronda, on the other hand, has yet to share her next move for the 2025 elections.IMT
