A Sham Unity

Once again, Iloilo City’s political landscape has been shaped not by the will of the people, but by a select few with wealth and power.

The so-called “negotiations” between the camps of Mayor Jerry Treñas and Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda were less about democracy and more about appeasing oligarchs who pull the strings behind the scenes.

Despite earlier speculations of a true political contest, we now face the farce of a unity ticket. The two camps have decided to align their interests, sparing themselves a head-to-head battle for the city’s top post.

But this alliance is hollow. There remains a bitter contest for the vice mayoral seat, pitting the seasoned Jeffrey Ganzon against a younger, more politically appealing Love-Love Baronda.

Ganzon’s campaign is an uphill battle. He may have experience, but Love-Love, despite her absence at key events, carries the weight of her family’s influence.

Adding to the absurdity, each camp has fielded its own slate of candidates for the city council. Treñas’ side pushes its loyal allies, while Baronda’s slate represents a combination of experienced and neophyte bets.

Oligarchs and political insiders are shaping the narrative, leaving voters with the illusion of choice while the real decisions were made in boardrooms and private homes.

As this so-called unity unfolds, the Treñas administration remains poised to continue its controversial policies.

With higher taxes, growing debts, and an underutilized budget, the next three years promise more of the same.

Iloilo City residents may brace themselves for a government that prioritizes borrowing over efficient spending, and raising taxes over delivering tangible benefits.

In this political theater, the real losers are the people. The facade of democracy allows oligarchs and politicians to maintain their grip on power while everyday Ilonggos are left out of the equation.

With self-serving interests like self-preservation taking center stage, voters have nothing more than a puppet show pretending to be real choice.