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BY HERBERT VEGO
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Tuesday, March 14, 2017
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THIS WRITER had thought of opinionating on information aired by businessman Rommel Ynion concerning Rep. Jerry Treñas’ “death threat” against Councilor Plaridel Nava. The alleged source of the yarn (suspected drug lord Melvin Odicta) having died, however, it would go down as mere hearsay. Moreover, clashing opinions have already muddled the issue in the social media.
This corner would rather discuss it from an apolitical standpoint. Whether true or false, it would do no harm to Treñas because, after “graduation” from the House of Representatives in 2019, he would not seek another public office.
Skeptics, however, anchor their disbelief on no less than the congressman’s re-filed bill aimed at dividing Iloilo City into two legislative districts. With two districts, his allies – Mayor Jed Mabilog and Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III – could both run for congressmen without clashing against each other, while he himself could run for mayor.
Otherwise, with only one district, he would have to give way to “bilas” Espinosa for mayor, thus preserving their strong triumvirate.
Treñas’ House Bill 1219 proposes the division of the city into two legislative districts, one comprising Jaro, La Paz and Mandurriao; the other comprising Villa Arevalo, City Proper, Molo and Lapuz. With two districts, the city would enjoy additional infrastructure allocations.
The bill argues that redistricting complies with all the parameters set forth by Section 5(3), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, which requires a city to have a minimum population of 250,000 to have a representative. It does not have to increase its population by another 250,000 to be entitled to an additional district.
In fact, the Supreme Court has resolved the issue with regard to two Metro Manila cities. Makati had a population of around 450,000 when it was divided into two congressional districts; Marikina, 424,000.
Since Treñas’ bill has already gained a counterpart in the Senate, authored by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, it’s a cinch it would turn into law.
Anticipating that possibility, would that restore the political appetite of Treñas?
With due respect to doubting Thomases, I don’t think so. Having been a councilor, mayor and congressman in the past two decades, Treñas at 60 would no doubt prefer to return to private life without worrying about his family’s future.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens,” he quoted the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1) on the day he announced his decision to quit politics and allow younger aspirants to take over.
“I want to enjoy the time left with my loved ones,” he added. “Time cannot be bought.”
Even the congressman’s wife, businesswoman Rosalie Sarabia-Treñas, has slowed down in order to hand over to their children the responsibility of taking care of the family business so that they, too, would rest on their laurels in old age.
Family business refers to the RJT Group of Companies. RJT – which stands for “Rosalie & Jerry Treñas” – comprises Carlo’s Bakeshop, Ang Kamalig and Wild Bamboo restaurants. It is not surprising that today, all five children of the couple play specific roles in running the three establishments. They all have earned diplomas in various food-related courses ranging from Hotel and Restaurant Management to Culinary Arts and Pastry and Confectionery.
Put up by Mrs. Treñas 30 years ago, Carlo’s has morphed into one of the biggest local bakeries with 11 branches in Iloilo City, Capiz and Antique. Daughter Raisa is now its chief executive officer; son Carlo, director for store operations; and son Paolo, head of marketing and business development.
Strange as it seems, none of the Treñas siblings are interested in politics./PN
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