By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Team Sulong Gugma, led by Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, launched its 2025 campaign on March 28 by accusing the ruling Team Uswag of corruption and mounting city debt.
Baronda, who is seeking her third and final term in Congress, said her slate intends to bring authentic change to city governance.
“Enough with corruption. Enough with the debts and loans,” she said during the rally.
Baronda’s team specifically criticized Mayor Jerry Treñas and his administration for securing multiple loans to fund the rehabilitation of public markets and for imposing a significant increase in real property taxes.
She asserted that local government initiatives must stem from the grassroots level, not from top-down directives.
Baronda reiterated her longstanding advocacy for inclusive healthcare, stating that underprivileged residents should never hesitate to seek medical assistance due to financial constraints.
She also addressed her political split from Treñas, with whom she previously allied in two election cycles.
“I cannot imagine how we’ve survived more than a year since I was sideswiped by our leader,” she said, referencing their falling out.
Treñas has previously claimed that the rift began when Baronda allegedly fielded her own candidates behind his back.
Baronda, however, framed the break as a chance to reaffirm her dedication to public service.
“Because of that, we are blessed,” she said.
“The people have seen that since 2019, I have remained committed to serving them.”
While both camps agreed not to challenge each other’s congressional and mayoral bids, their respective slates are now in full contest for other key posts.
Baronda underscored this point in her speech, contrasting Team Sulong Gugma’s campaign with Team Uswag’s resources.
“We are here, and we have shown that even though they are full of gold and have a bigger organization, they buckled under pressure from the daughter of a doctor and just one woman,” she said.
She further emphasized that her team chose not to hold a lavish rally, instead prioritizing a clear and actionable platform for Ilonggos.
“I am sure that in the May 12 elections, it is genuine love and service that will prevail in Iloilo City,” she said.
