GRATEFUL FOR THE LOVE: Love-Love Baronda Expresses Gratitude for Strong Lead in Vice Mayoralty Race

Fired up by her strong lead in the vice mayoralty race, Love-Love Baronda expressed her deep gratitude to the Ilonggos, vowing to intensify her campaign to enlighten more voters on the need for fresh leadership and a reformed Sangguniang Panlungsod to address the financial hardships currently burdening the people.

Baronda is thankful that more and more Ilonggos are recognizing her vision, platform of governance, track record and qualifications to serve the city, alongside the councilor candidates of Team Sulong Gugma, who are also performing strongly in the latest surveys.

“The survey results are very encouraging,” she beamed. “Team Sulong Gugma has been visiting barangays over the past few months, and it’s clear that our vision and platforms have resonated with the people.”

“They appreciate my track record and tangible outputs. Many elderly residents, mothers and youth have personally expressed their gratitude, citing either my legislation that benefited them or the assistance I facilitated,” Baronda added.

Baronda currently holds a 7% lead over her closest rival, according to the latest noncommissioned survey by Integrity Iloilo — a group composed of former professors and graduates of the University of the Philippines Visayas College of Management — conducted on April 26-27.

These results mirror an earlier RACI survey from April 5-6, which showed Baronda enjoying 53.3% voter support.

With a ±4% margin of error, Baronda’s support stands between 49.3% and 57.3%, while her opponent’s falls between 42.5% and 50.5%.

“I believe the people now realize how much our lives have deteriorated due to policies that the City Council failed to scrutinize. The current Sangguniang Panlungsod has failed to protect the Ilonggos,” Baronda said.

The three-term councilor added, “We have opened not just their eyes but their hearts, making them realize that the billions in loans incurred by City Hall caused the 300% increase in real property tax, leading to Iloilo City’s second-highest inflation rate among highly urbanized cities nationwide since December 2024.”

Baronda, who has authored 91 ordinances over nine years as a city councilor — compared to Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon’s 10 ordinances in nearly two decades — also warned Ilonggos to be discerning against black propaganda, fake news and dirty tricks expected to intensify in the campaign’s final weeks.

She emphasized that she and the Team Sulong Gugma councilors will not obstruct beneficial measures, but will diligently uphold their duty to protect the people’s interests by adhering to the principle of checks and balances.

“We will ask questions. We will scrutinize. We will not obstruct. In fact, we will support and advocate for legislative measures that will expand the free dialysis program, increase educational assistance, and bolster programs directly impacting the poor,” she stressed.

Baronda also highlighted that aside from presiding over sessions, the vice mayor can sponsor ordinances and resolutions that would directly benefit the people.

Meanwhile, eight Team Sulong Gugma candidates for councilor are poised to secure spots in the 12-seat City Council, reflecting strong public support for their platform and its responsiveness to the current challenges faced by the Ilonggos.

Team Sulong Gugma’s councilors, known as DP-FORCE-GMZ, have committed to championing responsive, visionary and transformational advocacies:

• Dr. Von Deveza — Healthcare System Strengthening and Mental Health
  • Atty. Kesha Pesina Tupas — Traffic Management, Public Transport Modernization, Women Empowerment, Animal Welfare
  • Stanley Flores — Social Services, Disaster Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation
  • Peter Oñate — Affordable Housing and Urban Poor Resettlement, Sports Development, Financial Literacy
  • GM Ariete Ramos — Economic Support for Small Businesses and MSMEs, Skills Training and Development
  • Jun Capulot — Anti-Illegal Drugs, Anti-Corruption, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Inclusive Tourism
  • Jose “Mor” Espinosa IV — Welfare of Vulnerable Sectors (Senior Citizens, PWDs, Solo Parents, LGBTQ+, Pregnant Women), Sustainable Waste Management, Environmental Protection
  • Atty. R. Leone “Boots” Gerochi — Transparent and Accountable Governance, Legal Assistance
  • Sheen Marie Mabilog — Education and Youth Development
  • Bryant Zulueta — Job Creation, Livelihood Opportunities, and Food Security