By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
In the final stretch of the campaign period, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas denounced propaganda targeting his party, Team Uswag, but said the attacks indicate they are winning.
“If you are being attacked, it means we are already winning,” Treñas said during his party’s miting de avance at the La Paz Football Field on Thursday, May 8.
The mayor, who is not seeking reelection, is actively campaigning for his daughter, mayoral candidate Raisa Treñas-Chu, and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
He accused rival group Team Sulong Gugma of resorting to negative propaganda instead of presenting concrete platforms.
“When you hear what the other side is saying in your barangay, I am portrayed as a bad person,” he said.
“But you know, that only means we are truly going to win.”
Treñas also criticized the opposing party’s focus on entertainment during campaign sorties, referring to their singing and dancing antics.
“It is a sad thing for Iloilo City that what they only know is how to dance,” he said.
To strengthen Team Uswag’s campaign, Treñas highlighted achievements under his administration, including the privatization and rehabilitation of public markets, the ongoing construction of the legislative building, and a free dialysis center.
Having served in Iloilo City politics for nearly four decades, Treñas said it is time to pass the torch to younger leaders.
“It’s time we pass this on to the new generation because they have fresh ideas that can improve services for the Ilonggos even more,” he said.
“It’s about time that we give the leadership to my daughter, Raisa.”
Raisa Treñas-Chu is running against businessman Roland Magahin.
Ganzon is facing former councilor Love-Love Baronda in the race for vice mayor.
Treñas ended his speech with a call for voters to support the entire Team Uswag slate, including all 12 of their councilor candidates, most of whom are seeking reelection.
“It is time we help the new generation of leaders who can bring Iloilo City further,” he said.
