By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is expected to announce his full Team Uswag slate for the 2025 elections, according to his spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga, in an interview on September 26.
“Mayor Treñas will make an official statement soon regarding his complete slate. However, there is no definite date yet. He has not confirmed if the lineup is finalized, but the city councilor positions are already complete, as previously mentioned,” Fantilaga said.
Recent developments saw Executive Assistant Jose Maria “Nene” De la Llana joining Team Uswag, replacing former Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) head Jeck Conlu, who resigned from the party earlier this month after being initially expected to run for city councilor.
There are also reports of a possible change in the lineup involving Executive Assistant Sheen Marie Mabilog, who was initially part of the councilor slate. Rumors suggest that she might be replaced.
While Fantilaga did not confirm this, she read a statement from the mayor:
“We supported Sheen Mabilog when she needed help and a job. We included her as one of our candidates. The rest is reflected by her actions.”
Fantilaga also confirmed that Treñas traveled to Manila to finalize arrangements in preparation for filing his candidacy, scheduled for October 1-8.
Reports have surfaced of a meeting between Treñas, his Executive Assistant and daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, and House Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez.
Fantilaga noted that the mayor deferred to Romualdez’s discretion regarding the meeting’s outcome.
“It was a confidential request made by the Speaker at the instance of Malacañang,” she said.
Treñas-Chu, who is running for Iloilo City’s lone congressional seat with her father’s full endorsement, commented on the meeting: “With respect to Speaker Romualdez, I encourage the media to ask him directly about what transpired. I am not one to break the confidentiality of that meeting, but do ask him.”
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Representative Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda is considering her candidacy for the 2025 elections, contingent on former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s decision to run for mayor.
In a recent radio interview, Baronda said, “If Jed runs, I will [also] run.” She added that she is waiting for three signs to guide her decision. Two have already occurred: Mabilog’s return to the country and his testimony at a House hearing. The final sign depends on public sentiment regarding Mabilog’s return to politics.
While Mabilog has made a public appearance and remains popular, he has not confirmed any political plans. During a recent visit to City Hall, he said, “I don’t have plans for politics—for now.”
If Mabilog runs, it could lead to a political showdown, as Baronda’s candidacy would likely pit her against Treñas-Chu in the upcoming elections.
