By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive
Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog admitted that politics had “messed up” his life but emphasized that he harbors no regrets about serving the Ilonggos.
“No, I have no regrets at all… Why? Look at Iloilo City. Before I became a public servant, I saw Iloilo City, and when I took a seat, you know what happened in terms of economic growth,” he said on Friday.
As he returned to Iloilo City for the first time after seven years of exile abroad, he remarked that not much had changed in Iloilo since he left.
“Iloilo is still the same; nothing has changed,” he said.
Mabilog recalled that he was courted by former Makati Mayor and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay to run alongside him in Makati in 2003. At the time, Mabilog was serving as president of the JCI Makati.
“Binay said, ‘Makati’s loss is Iloilo’s gain,’ and he invited me to run with him in Makati,” he said.
Mabilog declined the offer, explaining that he had been exposed to politics from a young age, comparing it to “a rock hitting your head.”
But after 2003, sought higher positions in the Iloilo City politics. Mabilog served as Iloilo City Councilor from 2004 to 2007, became Vice Mayor in 2007, and held the position of Mayor from 2010 to 2016.
“When I returned to Iloilo, I realized it wasn’t just a rock that hit my head; it was really like a building,” he said.
‘TEARS OF JOY’ FOR SUPPORTERS
Mabilog’s return has been met with heartfelt reactions from the community, with many expressing gratitude for his contributions to the city and hope for his eventual return to public service.
Armae Sondia, a close family friend whose children are godchildren of Mabilog, said she is “happy to see the father of our city return.”
When he was gone, Sondia said it was a time of sadness because she believed Mabilog truly stood behind beautifying the city.
“His contributions are forever in the hearts of the Ilonggos. I hope his good work continues,” she added.
Rosalinda Lacurom, a close friend of Mabilog’s late parents, was overcome with emotion.
“I shed tears of joy because this is the first time I’ve seen him in seven years. Even when he was away, his wife and he himself helped me,” she said.
Lacurom said Mabilog and his wife treated her like their mother.
“I’m so thankful nothing bad happened to him. I’m praying for his health. I’m 101% sure he would be a great mayor again,” she added.
Benjie Clavel, a former barangay kagawad, voiced hopes for Mabilog to return to politics and continue what he started.
“We’re happy he’s back, and we’ve always wanted this. If possible, we hope he restores the city’s progress, adds more infrastructure, and continues beautifying it so it can be recognized globally,” he stressed.
Unlike other politicians, Clavel said Mabilog is “approachable and easy to reach, just one call away.”
CHALLENGES AND ALLEGATIONS
Mabilog left the Philippines in August 2017 after being accused by former President Rodrigo Duterte of protecting illegal drug operations.
Duterte had labeled Iloilo as the “most shabulized” city in the Philippines. Mabilog has repeatedly denied the allegations.
His return to Iloilo came after he appeared at a joint hearing of the House of Representatives’ “Quad” committee on September 19.
The committee, composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, convened to address the drug allegations first made by Duterte.
Mabilog and his family were granted political asylum in the United States in March 2019 due to threats to their safety.
He returned to the Philippines on September 10, seven years after going into exile following Duterte’s warnings that he would be killed if he returned.
