BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas hit back at unnamed political foes he suspects of blocking his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, from becoming a member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
He then played down the role of political parties in shaping a career in politics.
“Political parties will not determine your political success,” Treñas said, recalling the many times he hopped political parties.
The mayor announced last month that Treñas-Chu would be his official candidate for congresswoman in the upcoming midterm elections, effectively severing his ties with erstwhile political ally, Cong. Julienne Baronda.
But last week, Treñas dropped hits he may run for congressman instead of seeking reelection in next year’s midterm elections.
“Depende pa na, basi ako man madalagan congressman,” the mayor told reporters.
Likewise, Treñas said Raisa’s impending entry and oath-taking in the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is “not an issue.”
He added that Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., the PFP regional chair, even assured them that his daughter may take her oath of office as party member anytime.
Meanwhile, Treñas said his recent statement of sympathy to First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos was simply a show of support primarily because they both studied in the same law school at the Ateneo de Manila University.
“We were close when we were in the College of Law. I do not have to hug the President,” Treñas said in jest.
Treñas had called on Vice President Sara Duterte to relinquish her post as Cabinet secretary for attending a rally in Davao City where she was seen laughing as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte called President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a drug addict.
“If a Cabinet Secretary cannot give full support to the President who appointed him or her, the best and only option available is to resign,” Treñas said.
The First Lady had expressed her displeasure at the Vice President.
“If you are appointed Secretary, you give your full loyalty to your President. You do not attend rallies where your President is attacked. Simple delicadeza dictates that you do not do that. If you cannot refrain from doing that, the best option is to resign,” said Treñas.
Interviewed by broadcaster Anthony Taberna on his Facebook page, the First Lady did not mince words in admitting being hurt when the Vice President, who is also the Education Secretary, laughed after President Marcos was called “bangag” during the rally organized by the Duterte supporters.
“Nasaktan ako (I was hurt) because my husband will do everything to protect you,” Liza said./PN