By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas ramped up his campaign for Team Uswag by delivering sharp verbal attacks against rival party Team Sulong Gugma during a 16-minute speech.
Treñas spent much of his address criticizing the opposition and warning of the consequences of splitting the vote.
He began by recalling his hospitalization at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig late last year.
“I thought I would be dead then,” he said.
“But when I was in the hospital, our friends from the other side (Sulong Gugma) were calling, asking when I would die.”
He added, “It’s actually better if someone wishes you ill, because I am here now—better and campaigning.”
The mayor said voting straight for Team Uswag is crucial to ensure the continuity of his administration’s programs, including scholarships and infrastructure projects.
Treñas warned that progress would stall if the opposition wins key seats in the upcoming local elections.
“We need to vote straight,” he said.
“Why? Have mercy on our city. Development will stop, our scholarship programs will stop, and the city’s progress will halt if our vice mayor is an obstructionist.”
The statement was a clear jab at Team Sulong Gugma’s vice mayoral candidate, former councilor Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda.
Baronda is running against incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who is seeking reelection alongside eight sitting city councilors under Team Uswag.
Treñas also touted the turnout of Team Uswag’s rally, claiming it was the largest he had seen in his 39 years in politics.
“I haven’t seen a rally as big as this,” he said, contrasting it with Team Sulong Gugma’s event, which he estimated drew only about 2,000 attendees.
In a lighthearted but pointed closing, Treñas urged supporters to vote straight for Team Uswag, joking that he would confront those who did otherwise.
“Don’t deviate, or I will come after you,” he said.
“I will visit your homes and confront you.”
“If you still love me, vote straight for Team Uswag,” he added.
