By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas remains quiet on the photo of his daughter and executive assistant Raisa Treñas-Chu that was allegedly displayed alongside the high-ranking officials of the city in the village hall of Brgy. Lopez Jaena in the Jaro district.
Daily Guardian sought a comment from the city mayor via Viber on Wednesday, but he has yet to respond as of writing.
The incident came to public attention after a concerned village resident posted the photo on Facebook.
The photo displayed at the village hall shows Treñas-Chu alongside Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
The concerned netizen questioned why Treñas-Chu’s photo was featured, noting that it is customary for the photo of Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda to be displayed alongside the city’s mayor and vice mayor.
“As far as I know, the photos displayed should be of the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Congresswoman. Why is this different in our barangay?” the post, originally written in Hiligaynon, read.
The city mayor has recently endorsed his daughter to run for Congress in the midterm elections. Baronda, currently in her second term, has not yet disclosed her plans for the next elections.
The netizen clarified that she is not opposing Treñas-Chu’s candidacy for Congress but emphasized the need for respect towards the current officeholder.
“No hate, just GUGMA and #RespectBegetsRespect,” the post concluded.
Media went to the village hall on Tuesday to verify the report but were barred by local officials.
A village councilor refused entry to the hall, emphasizing that they had instructions from Punong Barangay Albert Santiago to handle media inquiries alone.
Santiago is currently on leave and will return to the city on August 4.
The official also declined to allow photos to be taken of the image in question.
The incident was followed up on Wednesday morning, during which the media were allowed entry, but the photos of the city officials that had been posted on the wall were already removed.
Liga ng mga Barangay President and City Councilor Ma. Irene Ong told Daily Guardian that village halls are generally open to the public.
He clarified that the decision to restrict access to a barangay hall depends on the village captain.
“In our village halls, we have the right to decide whose picture we are going to display. If I decide to display mine, that is even okay,” he said, emphasizing that no law prohibits such an act.
