By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed that there is no available position for former Mayor Jed Mabilog in his slate for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
“What can I offer him (Mabilog)? You know, we were already prepared even before,” Treñas said when asked about the possibility of including Mabilog in the Uswag slate.
In April, Treñas announced the complete Uswag city council slate, with incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon seeking reelection.
While Treñas has expressed his intent to run in the midterms, he has not yet disclosed which position he will seek.
Treñas did not rule out the possibility that Mabilog, his former political ally, could run in the 2025 elections, following Mabilog’s return to the country after seven years in exile.
He acknowledged Mabilog as a worthy opponent if the latter chooses to run.
“All opponents are worthy, and my rule is that when it comes to politics, we do our best. You can’t just claim strength without believing in the work you do. Politics must be taken seriously,” Treñas emphasized.
Treñas also noted the potential for Mabilog to endorse Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, who was his vice mayor during the 2010 elections.
Baronda is known for supporting Mabilog during his time in the U.S. and his recent return to the Philippines.
“He might either endorse Cong. Baronda or run for mayor, vice mayor, or congressman. There are so many combinations,” Treñas said.
‘JED NOT AN ENEMY’
Amid shifting political dynamics, Treñas clarified that he does not consider Mabilog an enemy, but added that political realities will unfold as the elections draw closer.
Treñas highlighted that Mabilog had always been part of the group, though the political landscape has changed following Treñas’s fallout with Baronda.
On September 10, Sheen Marie Mabilog, the former mayor’s niece, officially joined the National Unity Party. She is running for city councilor under the Uswag slate.
“If I considered Jed an enemy, why would I put his niece in my lineup?” Treñas said.
Despite political developments, Treñas affirmed that his partnership with Vice Mayor Ganzon will continue.
“I have been very grateful for all the support Vice Mayor Ganzon has given. No matter what political developments happen, the Treñas-Ganzon tandem will go on,” he added.
