BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – As the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) draws to a close, the prospect of a “uniteam” between Mayor Jerry Treñas’ Team Uswag and Cong. Julienne Baronda’s Team Gugma remains uncertain.
It continues as a subject of speculation and discussion in Iloilo City’s political circles, despite Treñas’ recent announcement of their collaboration.
As of this writing, there are no concrete indications that the “uniteam” will materialize with the closing of the COC filing period until today.
Treñas’ announcement that his political party, Team Uswag, is joining forces with Baronda’s Team Gugma has sparked mixed reactions from their supporters and local political observers.
Treñas has underscored the unification of forces ahead of the 2025 midterm elections was apparently “in the spirit of unity”.
The proposed alliance indicates a strategic political move, with Baronda seeking reelection for her congressional seat and Raisa Treñas, Mayor Treñas’ daughter and executive assistant, running for city mayor.
Their collaboration also suggests that Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon will continue as Raisa’s running mate for vice mayor, which could have further solidified the alliance’s political strength.
Supporters, who favored unity, view the alliance as a positive development. They believe that a consolidated political front can provide stronger governance, ensuring that ongoing projects in Iloilo City are pursued with a common vision.
They hope the alliance will push forward the city’s economic development agenda, particularly in terms of infrastructure, social services, and health care.
But a few hours after Treñas announced the alliance, Baronda rebuffed it, emphasizing that negotiations were still ongoing.
Baronda urged her supporters to remain patient and to wait for an official announcement once the terms of the coalition are finalized.
“We have yet to decide as we are still discussing the proposal of the other party with our supporters and leaders. We will announce any developments as soon as we have reached a decision. We humbly seek your prayers for our guidance,” read Baronda’s statement.
In a statement, Raisa said yesterday that they have finalized Team Uswag’s final slate for the 2025 midterm elections.
They are incumbent councilors Sedfrey Cabaluna, Romel Duron, Rodulph Jeffrey Ganzon, Rex Sarabia, Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, Miguel Treñas, Johnny Young, and Alan Zaldivar former councilors Lyndon Acap and Mandrie Malabor, Executive Assistant Jose Maria “Nene” dela Llana, and lawyer Sheila Olid.
Raisa explained the decision was made out of respect for the ruling party, which she said they previously agreed upon.
Likewise, Raisa expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to the Ilonggos.
Citing the latest survey conducted by Random Access Consultancy, Inc. (RACI) on October 1 and 2, out of the 600 respondents, Raisa got 55% against the 42.7% rating of former mayor Jed Mabilog.
“This reflects the trust that the people of Iloilo have in our capability and potential to lead a highly urbanized city,” said Raisa.
She added that she was deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen as the official candidate of Team Uswag for Mayor of Iloilo City.
“I may have big shoes to fill, but I believe in our collective effort. With your trust and support, we can continue the work we’ve started, ensuring that Iloilo City remains a safe, peaceful, and progressive home for all of us,” said Raisa.
On the other hand, Team Gugma also announced their nine-member council slate. They include former city councilors Love-love Baronda, lawyer R Leone Gerochi, Sheen Marie Mabilog, and Dan Cartagena; Dr. Graceson C. De la Llana, the son of former Vice Mayor Guillermo De la Llana, Peter Onate, a banker and in-law of the Espinosa family, Pastor Stanley Flores, Baronda’s spokesperson, lawyer Kesha Pesina, the daughter of former Councilor Tony Pesina, and broadcaster Jun Capulot.
The remaining three council aspirants will be announced today during the proclamation rally of Team Gugma at the University of San Agustin gym.
The reported collaboration is said to have been brokered by Uswag Partylist Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. and facilitated through House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Romualdez is believed to have played a pivotal role in bringing the two political rivals together, encouraging them to set aside their differences for Iloilo City’s continued development.
Congressman Ang also emphasized that a “uniteam” would also be beneficial to the leaders’ constituents who want less political bickering and more focus on delivering tangible results for Iloilo City.
However, such negotiations were met with mixed reactions from supporters of both camps. Supporters of both Treñas and Baronda, who have been accustomed to their rivalry, view the “uniteam” as a pragmatic but inauthentic move, while others see it as a necessary step for the greater good of the city.
For Treñas, who is currently serving his final term as mayor of Iloilo City, the alliance could indeed pave the way for a smoother transition of leadership to his daughter, Raisa, who is widely seen as a potential successor.
By allying with Baronda’s Team Gugma, political observers theorized that Treñas may be setting the stage for a well-coordinated political transition that ensures his daughter Raisa has the support of a unified political bloc.
But the core supporters of each political party, Team Uswag, and Team Gugma, might resist a merger, especially if they have been critical of the other side in the past.
For these supporters, the deep-rooted political rivalry could create skepticism or outright opposition to the merger, even if their leaders have agreed to set aside differences.
While the Team Uswag-Team Gugma merger presents an opportunity for a unified political front in Iloilo
Last March 15, the two leaders split after Treñas endorsed his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, to run for the congressional seat that Baronda currently holds.
This move effectively severed their two-term political partnership, with Treñas accusing Baronda of betrayal for organizing her political team for the 2025 elections./PN
