ILOILO City – With only 27 days to go before the May 12 elections, vice mayoralty candidate Love Baronda of Team Sulong Gugma has surged ahead with a commanding 14-point lead over incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, based on the latest Random Access Consultants, Inc. (RACI) survey conducted on April 4-5, 2025.
Baronda’s strong lead is attributed to her solid legislative track record — having authored 91 pro-poor and pro-development ordinances and 960 resolutions — and to the strength of Team Sulong Gugma’s klaro kag malig-on nga plataforma sang panggobyerno. Rooted in the principle of “gugma” (love), the team champions inclusive development, social services, and good governance, values that continue to earn the trust of many Ilonggo voters.
In contrast, critics highlight that despite Ganzon’s 20-year service — 14 years as city councilor and six years as vice mayor — his legislative output remains kulang kag wala sing impact. His most recognized ordinance imposes a P5,000 fine on men found naked inside public markets, a measure many consider trivial compared to the city’s pressing needs.
The beloved citizens are also observing the kabudlay sang kampanya. While Team Sulong Gugma maintains a positive, issue-driven approach, opponents have resorted to below-the-belt tactics, character assassination, and personal insults — a campaign style seen by many as negatibo kag wala pulos.
Meanwhile, the City Council race remains a tight battle. Survey results show eight candidates from each team are tied and within reach of the Magic 12, making the outcome uncertain and highly competitive.
As election day nears, the momentum clearly favors candidates who present clear solutions, compassionate perspective, and a genuine heart for serbisyo publiko — all trademarks of Team Sulong Gugma’s campaign, guided by the spirit of gugma para sa pumoluyo./PN
