2028 is two years away but Iloilo politics is heating up

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said a return to Congress representing Iloilo’s 3rd District is among the options he may consider after his term as governor ends in 2028, as discussions about possible candidates for key provincial posts begin to surface.

Defensor made the remark during an interview on Monday, March 16, when asked about possible political scenarios for the next election cycle, which have already drawn attention despite being two years away.

The governor noted that the 3rd District congressional seat will become vacant once the term of his younger brother, Rep. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor, ends in 2028.

“The congressional seat of the third district will be vacant as a matter of course. It’s possible, but we still don’t know what will happen,” Defensor said.

He added that returning to the private sector is also among the options he may consider after completing his term as governor.

Defensor previously served as representative of Iloilo’s 3rd District before winning the gubernatorial race, making a return to Congress a familiar path for the veteran politician.

Political speculation about a possible gubernatorial bid by Rep. Lorenz Defensor gained traction last week after Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron reportedly told a gathering of mayors that the next governor could be the current 3rd District congressman.

Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque has also been floated as a possible contender for the governorship as she continues to attend activities across municipalities and barangays in the province.

However, Debuque earlier dismissed speculation about a gubernatorial bid, saying she currently has no plans to run and remains focused on carrying out her duties as a way of repaying the trust given to her by Ilonggos in the 2025 elections.

Debuque is serving her first term at the provincial level after previously completing three terms as mayor of Anilao, Iloilo. She won the vice gubernatorial race in 2025, defeating former Vice Gov. Raul “Boboy” Tupas with 547,462 votes, or 51.95 percent.

Asked about the possibility of Debuque entering the race, Defensor said anyone is free to seek public office and that political alliances in the province may change over time.

“If many want to run, we respect that,” he stressed.

He also acknowledged that his brother may likely seek the governorship once his term in Congress ends.

“I know my brother. He is not running for President of the country, so chances are he is running for governor,” he said.

When asked whom he would support if Rep. Defensor and Debuque eventually face each other in the gubernatorial race, the governor said his choice would obviously be his brother.