By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City revealed that betrayal by lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda is a key reason for their political separation.
The city mayor stated that Baronda has been forming her team for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, prompting him to cut ties with his long-time political ally.
“The problem is in our barangays. She already has candidates for barangay captains. It is inappropriate that I also have my candidates and she also has hers,” he said in a Monday press conference.
Treñas and Baronda recently parted ways after the city mayor endorsed his daughter and executive assistant for the congressional seat. The two were close allies for two consecutive terms, in 2019 and 2022.
“I supported Cong Jamjam twice—first with former Councilor Joshua Alim and second against my brother-in-law, Joe Espinosa III,” he added.
Baronda, currently in her second term, has not yet announced her plans for the elections.
Treñas also stressed that he is aware that Baronda’s Team Gugma is preparing to challenge his Team Uswag, but he assured that his slate remains intact and ready for the elections.
“We are also preparing. Everyone is preparing,” he said.
Treñas attributed his strained relationship with Baronda to seven delayed infrastructure projects for which she sought funding.
“What’s the end game of this? Where is the budget for these projects? Why is it taking so long to be finished?” he remarked, emphasizing that the projects have been delayed for at least five years.
Baronda previously clarified that even though she facilitated the funding of the projects, the funds did not go through or were given to her office.
She stressed that due to the large funds needed for the implementation of the projects, they were funded on a multi-year or phase-by-phase basis.
The city council recently revoked the authority of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Iloilo City District Engineering Office to construct the seven projects.
Baronda has not reacted to the mayor’s statement’s against her nor has she piggybacked on controversies involving the mayor.
