BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has squelched allegations that his administration engages in troll farming or employs trolls to influence public opinion and promote his image on social media.
In his press briefing yesterday, Treñas emphasized that his administration is focused on genuine governance and transparency, dismissing claims that they resort to online manipulation.
“Wala ko ya trolls. Aton ya real persons. They are organic,” the mayor said.
While he is not employing trolls to boost his image and attack his critics on social media, Treñas said he knows someone or his political critics who engage in such practice. But he refused to identify them.
“Sin-o bala ga-atake sa akon haw? Basi sila may trolls. Indi mo pagmangkuton kon sin-o may trolls, kay kabalo ko. You know life is short. Let us enjoy it. Nagay ka imo ugtas, dali kana mapatay,” said Treñas.
He reiterated that he spent his own money to boost posts on Facebook to highlight the significant accomplishments of his administration.
The mayor spent a whopping P1,071,372 to boost posts on Facebook, highlighting his significant investment in social media to connect with his constituents and report his office’s accomplishments.
Boosting posts allows for targeted advertising, ensuring that his messages reach a broader and more specific audience.
Created on July 2, 2018, Treñas’ Facebook page maintains an active and engaging online presence, apparently to keep the public informed about his work and initiatives in Iloilo City.
Data from the mayor’s social media page showed that for August 7 and August 13, 2024, he spent P36,621 on ads that included disclaimers, averaging P5,231.50 per day.
Among those who funded the boosted posts on the mayor’s page include Ma. Ruthmar Gabileo, a Tourist Receptionist II at the City Tourism Office but is assigned to the City Mayor’s Office as a social media copywriter (P520,853); Mayor Treñas (P486,934); and the social media marketing agency Dame Digital (P55,600).
Paolo Treñas, the mayor’s son, contributed P3,916, while Hernani Escullar Jr. paid :1,600. Escullar now serves as information officer of the Department of Education Region VI.
In a statement on Sunday, Treñas clarified that part of his job as Mayor and leader of the city is to communicate what he has done for his constituents “so they can access the services and our benefits.”
“I have also promoted our projects and city externally so we can entice more tourists to come, businesses to invest,” said Treñas.
He said they had secured flights from Singapore straight to Iloilo, won awards, and also secured funding for infrastructure and services last week.
“And now we’re using my FB page to help combat dengue. So for my FB page, like any communication tool, like radio, print, national media, and international media, I’ve used the communication tools available to market our city. That’s my responsibility,” he added.
The mayor noted he used personal funds to boost his social media page.
“I’ve been promoting our city the past 6 years and even during my term as congressman and I will continue to do that. That’s my responsibility as mayor and leader of the city,” Treñas said./PN
