In the world of Iloilo City politics, alliances are like your favorite batchoy—they taste great until you realize the broth is more bones than meat.
The latest concoction?
Mayor Jerry Treñas and Congresswoman Jam Jam Baronda’s “unity alliance,” which so far seems to be more wishful thinking on Treñas’ part than a political reality.
Treñas, a seasoned chef in the political kitchen, announced he wouldn’t be running for another term as mayor, leaving his seat warm for his daughter Raisa, initially prepped for Congress.
But in this high-stakes game, it turns out only one player was reading from the same recipe.
Baronda, the current district representative, wasn’t exactly falling in line, offering a rather lukewarm response—still “contemplating” the mayor’s “offer” like a diner unsure if the dish served was worth the price.
The seasoning to this potboiler? The possibility of former Mayor Jed Mabilog making a comeback. Now, that’s a wild card that could turn the entire kitchen upside down.
With polls showing Raisa might face a tough climb—whether for Congress or mayor—Baronda and Mabilog must be licking their lips at the prospect of a political buffet, with Treñas’ carefully laid plans as the main course.
And let’s not forget about Jose Espinosa III, Treñas’ brother-in-law (bilas), former vice mayor, and a fan favorite among the masa.
Espinosa is more than just leftovers—he’s the candidate with a grudge. He once trounced Baronda in the vice mayoralty race, and a rematch would be like serving up a dish of cold revenge (the second time around). Who doesn’t love a grudge match?
If Baronda and Mabilog continue their political dance, who will take the City Council and the vice mayor’s seat?
Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon already plated his council slate with Treñas. Will Baronda and Mabilog scramble to throw in their own picks? Or will they just ride the wave, hoping to garnish the Council with allies later?
The spectacle promises to deliver on drama: alliances may shatter, old wounds will reopen, and by the end of it, voters could very well find themselves with a mayor, a congresswoman, and a vice mayor all embroiled in separate political grudges. A soap opera, indeed.
The only thing certain in Iloilo City is that nothing’s ever set in stone—except maybe the stubborn ambition of its political players.
Tupas Sibling Rivalry Heats Up, Again
In what has become another chapter in the long-running political drama of the Tupas family, Congressman Raul Tupas of Iloilo’s 5th District officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the vice governor race in the 2025 midterm elections. With the filing at Festive Walk Mall, the stage is now set for a political showdown that has left many observers wondering just how deep the cracks in the Tupas clan truly run.
Raul’s wife, 5th District Board Member Binky April Tupas, joined him as she filed her own COC for the congressional seat her husband will vacate. The twist? She will be running against her brother-in-law, former Congressman Niel Tupas Jr. If there’s one thing the Tupas family seems to have mastered, it’s keeping their political rivalries within the family.
Adding more spice to the already simmering contest, Raul’s slate includes familiar names like former Board Member Dr. Darl Tupas and businessman Carl Ong, both vying for seats in the 5th District. The couple was accompanied by their loyal supporters, including a notable number of mayors from the 5th District, rallying behind the Tupas name.
But the path to vice governor won’t be a cakewalk. Raul will be facing stiff competition from Anilao Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque, who is Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s running mate. This adds another layer to the already complex web of political alliances and rivalries in Iloilo, with Defensor and Tupas seemingly on opposite sides of the fence.
The congressional race, however, is the juiciest bit of this political stew. A sibling-versus-sibling showdown between Niel Jr. and Binky Tupas could divide not only the family but their political base. The question is, will blood prove thicker than ballots, or is this simply another round of the Tupas family feud playing out on a grand stage?
With Raul running under the Lakas-CMD Party banner, the coming months are sure to reveal more about the dynamics at play. Will this family rivalry become too hot to handle, or is there room for reconciliation in the aftermath of the 2025 elections? Either way, the 5th District of Iloilo is bracing for a political brawl.
