BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Raisa Treñas-Chu, daughter of Mayor Jerry Treñas, has decided not to take oath as member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
She has instead chosen to run for congresswoman of the lone district of Iloilo City under the National Unity Party (NUP).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. confirmed yesterday Treñas-Chu’s decision, ending talks that she would join the administration party.
The announcement was a surprise. Mayor Treñas said on Thursday that some PFP representatives visited his office and “inquired about the oath-taking of Raisa in the party.”
“I told them that Raisa has a mind of her own and will make her own decision after proper consultations with her leaders and advisers. I will support her decision whichever way,” said Treñas.
The mayor stressed that Raisa decided to join NUP after their meeting in Manila. Declining the PFP nomination also signals Raisa’s intention to focus on her campaign and platform within the NUP framework.
But the mayor also confirmed that Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Councilor Miguel Treñas, and several other incumbent councilors and barangay captains would join PFP.
Mayor Treñas maintained that he would not force his daughter to join any party especially when she felt a strong opposition to it.
Iloilo City’s Rep. Julienne Baronda earlier said she did not consider it a “threat” that Treñas-Chu would join the PFP.
“I am not a member of Partido Federal (ng Pilipinas). I’m a member of Lakas,” said Baronda.
The congresswoman stressed that a political party has less impact on one’s political career.
“What is important is that your party is there to support your legislation and programs. It’s the people who will decide. It has no direct impact on whatever party you joinn,” said Baronda.
Baronda, a former member of the NUP, switched parties on May 7 barely two months after she and Mayor Treñas ended their political alliance.
The regional mass oath-taking of the new PFP members will be held in Iloilo City on Sunday, June 2, at the Grand Xing Hotel.
Local officials from Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental are expected to attend the event.
Governor Defensor, PFP regional party chairman, also confirmed that Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. will lead the oath-taking of the new PFP members./PN
