Ex-senator warns division may ‘stall’ Iloilo City’s progress

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A divided local leadership could undermine the delivery of public services and infrastructure projects in Iloilo City, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said, recalling how political unity once fueled major developments in the city.

Drilon, who retired from politics in 2022 after 34 years in government service, said Iloilo City’s significant infrastructure gains during his tenure were achieved through cohesive local leadership.

“In Iloilo [City], we were able to move our infrastructure program because of a united political leadership,” Drilon said during the local launch of his book Tuesday, Feb. 10.

He cited the strong working relationship across party lines between then-Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and then–lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas, which he said allowed development projects to proceed without obstruction.

“Here in Iloilo, we were all united. Nobody would block any project designed to improve the lives of our people, of the Ilonggos,” he said.

“That demonstrates the need for unity of the political leadership in order to move the infrastructure programs of the government,” he added.

Drilon said unity among political leaders remains essential to sustaining a local government’s progress, particularly in implementing large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

He said local officials supported the projects he championed because they did not perceive them as politically motivated or driven by personal gain.

“If the local government officials cooperated with me and did not stand in the way of the projects that I implemented, it is because they did not see a political agenda nor any personal motive or profit in the projects that I was doing,” he said.

As the 2028 national elections approach, Drilon said public works projects may increasingly be viewed through a political lens.

He said the perception that projects are tied to electoral ambitions could influence how they are received and implemented.

“Unfortunately, 2028 is seen by everyone as the motive for the projects that are being implemented. Maybe if we can address that attitude, we can have a better system of implementation here. It is saddening, but it is the truth,” he said.

He urged local officials to ensure that projects are clearly anchored on public service rather than personal ambition, while acknowledging that such an approach is easier said than done.

“The climate sometimes is polluted, the mistrust is so patent that the people suffer,” he said.

Drilon clarified that he will not step in to broker unity among local leaders, saying he is content with his retirement from public office.