ILOILO – The Defensor-Debuque tandem is set for the upcoming May 2025 national and local elections. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. formally announced on Monday, Sept. 30, that Anilao’s Mayor Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque is his running mate for vice governor.
Before making the announcement, Governor Defensor administered the oath of Debuque as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), having recently left the Nacionalista Party.
“She will be the administration’s candidate for vice governor of Iloilo under the party of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” said Defensor.
The governor expressed enthusiasm for Debuque joining his ticket, highlighting her alignment with his administration’s MoRProGRes Iloilo (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo), which aims to drive the province’s development.
Defensor also noted her fit with the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.
“We chose Mayor Lee Ann because she is intelligent, dynamic, competitive, and hardworking. She is one of the mayors who frequently visit my office to follow up and work on matters. We appreciate her attitude, and her municipal government’s competitiveness,” Defensor explained when asked why he selected Debuque as his running mate.
Defensor emphasized that Debuque shares the same competitive spirit as the provincial government and the people of Iloilo in striving for the highest levels of recognition and achievement.
He credited her leadership for the significant improvements in Anilao during her term as mayor.
In her acceptance speech, Debuque thanked Defensor for selecting her as his running mate.
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Toto for choosing me and placing his trust in me as his candidate for vice governor of Iloilo. I have high regard for the Iloilo provincial government, his leadership, and its employees,” she said.
Debuque also drew inspiration from Iloilo’s six-time Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award, which motivated her to lead Anilao in earning five SGLG awards through transparent and honest governance.
While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Debuque expressed confidence, bolstered by the support of 4th District’s Cong. Ferjenel Biron and her mother, Anilao vice mayor Matet Debuque. She believes her skills and abilities will enable her to serve effectively as vice governor.
“I’m still young in politics, but I have proven my capacity to my constituents. You can count on me to fulfil my duties and bring pride to the people of Iloilo. Governor Defensor’s wisdom and experience, combined with my energy and dynamism, will create a strong partnership for a more progressive Iloilo. I will stand firm in this responsibility and will not let Governor Defensor or the province down,” Debuque added.
Addressing the possibility of facing 5th District’s Cong. Raul Tupas in the race for vice governor, Debuque expressed respect for Tupas and acknowledged the longstanding friendship between their families. However, she hopes that if Tupas does decide to run, he will give her a chance to serve Iloilo. Should Tupas pursue his candidacy, Debuque stated she is prepared to compete.
“I’m fully committed to this race, and with the trust of Governor Defensor and Congressman Biron, I will not let them down. I want to show the people of Iloilo that I will be an asset to the province,” she said.
Congressman Biron, expressing support for Debuque, described her as a fresh breeze for the leadership of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
“I am very confident, Governor Toto, that your vice governor candidate is not only smart and competent but, above all, dedicated,” Biron said.
Biron pledged full support from the 4th District for the Defensor-Debuque tandem, committing to their victory in the upcoming elections.
“The 4th District will give 100 percent support to this tandem. We will ensure that Governor Toto’s vice governor candidate wins,” Biron affirmed./PN
