BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City –Mayor Jerry Treñas has announced he will not seek reelection, paving the way for his daughter Raisa to run for mayor, while realigning with his estranged ally, re-electionist Cong. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda, after a highly publicized falling out just seven months ago.
Treñas announced yesterday that his group, popularly called “Team Uswag”, and Baronda’s “Team Gugma”, are joining forces ahead of the May 12, 2025 midterm elections “in the spirit of unity.”
This means that Baronda will seek reelection unopposed, and Treñas’ daughter and executive assistant, Raisa, will run for city mayor instead of for congresswoman with Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon as running mate.
“I have always believed there is nothing we cannot do if we do it together. We can accomplish so much if we are united and think as one Ilonggo family for the good of our future generations,” said Treñas.
The mayor admitted he had intended to finish a third consecutive term but “ I believe it is in the best interest of Team Uswag and the city for me to stand down and focus on fulfilling my duties as City Mayor for the remainder of my (second) term.”
Treñas was elected mayor in 2019 in tandem with Baronda as congresswoman. Both won their reelection bids as a team in 2022.
But in March this year, the mayor announced parting ways politically with Baronda and named daughter Raisa as his official candidate for congresswoman in next year’s midterm elections.
Asked at that time what made him decide to drop Baronda, Treñas declined to go into the details but a few months after cited what he termed were unilateral political moves of the congresswoman that did not sit well with their group, particularly during the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
IT’S COMPLICATED
Political analysts view the re-alliance as a calculated move to maintain political dominance in Iloilo City.
However, Councilor Johnny Young, a political ally within Team Uswag, revealed the complexities underlying the political re-union.
According to Young in a DYRI RMN Iloilo report, while the Baronda-Treñas tandem is confirmed, both camps will still field their respective candidates for the positions of vice mayor and city councilors.
He said, “VM Jeffrey Ganzon is our candidate for vice mayor under Team Uswag with Raisa Treñas. It remains unclear who Congresswoman Baronda will endorse for this position.”
Still, Young welcomed the coming together of the Treñases and Baronda. He said this bodes well for the implementation of development projects in the city.
As of this writing, the Baronda camp was yet to issue a statement on this latest development Treñas announced, and on whether Team Gugma would have still have its own candidate for vice mayor and city councilors.
BEYOND 2025
By joining forces, Team Uswag and Team Gugma can potentially reduce infighting, present a unified front, and increase their chances of maintaining control over the mayor’s office and the congressional seat even beyond the 2025 midterm elections.
In a statement, Mayor Treñas also mentioned the fruits of all their efforts to make the city one of the most progressive places in the Philippines, standing out as one of the country’s top highly urbanized cities (HUCs) with a string of national awards and international achievements through the years.
“Way of life and ease of doing business in Iloilo has never been better. Jobs, livelihood, housing, quality healthcare, and all other services have been provided and made accessible for all Ilonggos,” said Treñas.
He also cited the efforts made by his supporters, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ginbuylugan ninyo ang aton mga programa kag proyekto para sa kabataan, kababainhan, kag katigulangan. Gin-buligan ninyo ako para magpadayon ang kauswagan, kalinong kag katawhayan sang aton syudad. It has been my greatest honor to serve as your City Mayor,” he said.
Treñas also appealed to the people of Iloilo to include him in their prayers as he recovers from a bile duct operation, adding a personal dimension to this his latest political move.
Political observers say the mayor’s health situation could be a factor in his decision not to seek a third term.
Before his announcement, Treñas has underscored 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.”/PN