BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Suspense grapples the political landscape in this city, with neither the leaders from the Uswag Team nor the Gugma Team filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) on the second day of the filing period.
This scenario left supporters from both sides in a guessing game as they anxiously awaited their leaders’ next moves, staying on edge until a formal announcement was made.
As the filing period unfolds, the uncertainty continues to heighten tensions, adding an air of intrigue to the upcoming election.
On the second day of the COC filing, no leaders from either the Uswag Team or the Gugma Team submitted their candidacies, leaving only independent candidates to file.
Among those who filed their candidacies on Monday include Jose “Mor” Espinosa IV, a resident of Zamora Melliza, City Proper, who is running for city councilor as an independent candidate. Mor is the nephew of former Mayor Jose Espinosa III.
Carmelo “Mel” Carreon, an 83-year-old perennial candidate, is running for congressman in Iloilo City’s lone district. Carreon, who filed his certificate of candidacy on Monday, is now on his 12th straight attempt.
Mayor Jerry Treñas is currently in Manila for his semi-annual general check-up, his spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga, said yesterday.
But while waiting for the results of his medical laboratories, Fantilaga said the mayor is also preparing for the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy, which is scheduled for next week.
“In his brief absence, he has full confidence in the ability of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon to continue taking care of the needs of the Ilonggos and the city,” said Fantilagan.
Talks of a potential “unity ticket” have puzzled supporters from both the Uswag Team and Gugma Team following the recent leak of information about a supposed meeting with House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The office of Iloilo City Lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda recently issued a statement expressing their surprise at the leak of information about her meeting with the leaders of the ruling coalition in Manila.
In a statement, Pastor Stanley Flores, Baronda’s spokesperson, downplayed the meeting as mere “exploratory and no final decision has been made”
Flores confirmed Baronda was requested to meet with the leaders of the ruling coalition, including Speaker Romualdez, on Sept. 24.
“The party leadership organized the meeting to help resolve differences among coalition members in certain areas of the country,” said Flores.
Flores said Uswag Partyist Rep. James ‘Jojo’ Ang Jr. requested the meeting “to bring both parties together for a possible reconciliation.”
“The meeting was only exploratory, and no final decision has been made, as Congresswoman Jam-Jam still needs to consult with her campaign team when she comes home from Manila,” said Flores.
He maintained that Baronda remains committed to her plans and loyal to her group.”
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has also issued a statement recently underscoring that Team Uswag prioritizes the Ilonggos and the city’s progress in the wake of the political developments in Iloilo City.
“The first consideration is always what is good for the City and the Ilonggo family. This is more important than power or political pragmatism,” said Treñas.
The mayor said they are having a consultation with the team and are “prepared for any configuration as long as it is beneficial to our constituents and does not detract from the progress we have achieved.”
For his part, former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has appealed to his supporters to wait for the party’s final decision.
“Pure love is seen through actions, not words. I implore everyone to kindly await my political decision which will be announced soon. Please join me in praying and reflecting to make the best decision,” Mabilog said./PN
