By Juliane Judilla
Makabayan Coalition Panay has clarified that it has not pledged electoral support for Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
In a statement released May 6, the coalition responded to a Facebook post from Treñas’ official page featuring a photo of the mayor with Bayan Muna Party-list 7th nominee Irma Espinosa and Kabataan Party-list 9th nominee Crimson Labinghisa.
The post was captioned:
“SALAMAT SA SUPORTA, MAKABAYAN PANAY
We welcome the representatives of Makabayan Panay as we work together to promote fair public service.”
The coalition said no agreement or concession was made regarding electoral support.
While Makabayan acknowledged Treñas’ openness to dialogue on local issues, including the phaseout of traditional jeepneys under the Local Public Transport Route Plan and the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, it reiterated its opposition to the policy.
The coalition also raised concerns over the privatization of public markets in Iloilo City through a Public-Private Partnership with SM Prime Holdings, which it said was being carried out under the guise of rehabilitation.
Makabayan said these concerns were raised in several meetings with the mayor, but his administration continues to pursue such policies.
The group emphasized that it remains open to future dialogue but will only endorse candidates aligned with its pro-people agenda.
“Makabayan Panay remains open to engaging any administration occupying the Mayor’s office to assert and uphold the people’s rights and welfare,” the coalition said.
“We also welcome future opportunities for dialogue, should the Mayor remain open to them,” it added.
Makabayan said it will soon announce the candidates who have stood with them on key issues, including opposition to the jeepney phaseout, forced consolidation, privatization, reclamation and other threats to Ilonggos’ livelihood and welfare.
