Congresswoman Jamjam Baronda and Raisa Treñas-Chu, who belong to different slates for the 2025 midterm elections, have reached an agreement to “foster unity” in Iloilo City.
“It is clear to us now that our city’s progress and prosperity depend on togetherness, and we cannot allow differences to tear apart the very fabric of our city. Love, respect, and understanding must prevail over hatred, suspicion, and animosty,” Baronda and Chu said in a joint statement.
“We believe that through unity, we can lead this city to greater heights and ensure a better tomorrow for all,” they added.
Chu is the daughter and executive assistant of incumbent City Mayor Jerry Treñas, who decided not to run for his third and final term next year.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Baronda of Team Gugma-Sulong and Chu of Team Uswag formalized their bids by filing their certificates of candidacy (COC).
Baronda is seeking reelection while Chu is running for mayor.
“After deep reflection and sincere dialogue, we have decided to come together once again for the greater good of our beloved city,” the two said.
They agreed to leave the positions of the lone district representative and mayor unopposed in either of their slates.
“Each slate is free to field candidates in the positions of vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, if they opt to.”
Team Uswag’s candidate for vice mayor is Jeffrey Ganzon (reelectionist) while Team Gugma-Sulong picked former councilor Love Joy Baronda as its vice mayoral candidate.
Running for councilors under Team Uswag are Sedfrey Cabaluna, Romel Duron, Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, Rex Sarabia, Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, Miguel Treñas, Sheila Olid, Lyndon Acap, Nene Dela Llana and Sheila Olid.
Team Gugma-Sulong’s candidates for the city council are Sheen Marie Mabilog, R. Leone Gerochi, Kesha Pesina, Peter Emil Oñate, Dr. Graceson Dela Llana, Pastor Stanley Flores, Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, GM Ramos, and Bryant Zulueta.IMT
