BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Did Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cong. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda patch up their differences?
Citizens were quick to speculate about the supposed reconciliation of the two Iloilo City leaders after Baronda posted on her Facebook page their photos shaking hands and exchanging cheek kisses suggesting cordial relations, during the inauguration of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP II).
When asked to comment on the photos, Treñas did not categorically confirm whether or not he and Baronda reconciled.
“The Jalaur dam will result in great benefits for the Ilonggos. It was started in the 1980s by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., then by President Benigno S. Aquino and finally completed under President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr.,” said Treñas.
“It needs the unity of everyone to be completed. The Iloilo City political scene is different. There are differences even as shown by the signs in the picture,” he added.
The mayor posed with the “approve” hand signal associated with the Uswag Ilonggo party-list, while Baronda displayed the heart hand signal, symbolizing “gugma” (love).
Treñas and Baronda ended their political alliance in March. Baronda has yet to announce whether she will seek reelection for Iloilo City’s lone district in the 2025 midterm elections. Raisa Treñas-Chu, the mayor’s daughter and executive assistant, is also eyeing the same position.
Treñas-Chu had declined the administration party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) membership nomination and chose to be affiliated with the National Unity Party (NUP) of her father.
Baronda, a former member of NUP, switched parties on May 7 barely two months after she and Mayor Treñas ended their political alliance.
Treñas helped Baronda win the city’s congressional seat twice, in 2019 and 2022.
Asked what made him drop Baronda during the press briefing in March, Treñas referred to unspecified circumstances but declined to go into details.
“Almost 100 percent of all barangay officials are supporting our decision (to field Raisa). They met with me and showed their support,” said the mayor.
Treñas said he was grateful that Baronda respected his decision and that the latter was also thankful to him for allowing her to serve the city’s lone district for two terms. He said this averted a possible ugly feud./PN
