‘I CAN STAND ON MY OWN’: City Mayor-Elect Raisa Treñas Says She’s ‘No Puppet’ of Dad

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City mayor-elect Raisa Treñas-Chu firmly stated she is no puppet of her father, outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas, amid questions about her independence and leadership style.

“My parents raised me well, and they know I can stand on my own,” she said during a press conference on Tuesday, May 13.

The 39-year-old political newcomer won by a landslide with 170,162 votes, or 69.37 percent, defeating lone challenger Roland Magahin, who garnered 75,139 votes, or 30.63 percent.

She emphasized her upbringing as the eldest of five children prepared her for leadership.

“I had a big responsibility to my family because both my parents worked,” she said.

“I was made to be independent and to guide my siblings.”

Raisa’s victory marks a historic milestone as the first elected female mayor of Iloilo City.

She described her mandate as a “big responsibility,” acknowledging the trust Ilonggos have placed in her.

“Our role as mother of the city is important,” she said.

“Raisa will serve not only those who supported us but also those who didn’t, because she will be a mother to all Ilonggos.”

As incoming mayor, her top priorities include healthcare, education and livelihood.

She plans to build Uswag Medical Health Centers in all city districts to improve access to primary healthcare.

She also cited a planned Iloilo City College campus in Fort San Pedro, a project identified by her father’s administration, to address overcrowding and expand academic programs.

On Jerry Treñas’ role, Raisa said he will remain involved in the city government to help complete ongoing projects, such as the Iloilo City Hospital and expansion of iCARE centers.

She expressed willingness to work with Vice Mayor-elect Love-Love Baronda, who won under rival Team Sulong Gugma.

Baronda received 132,564 votes, or 52.19 percent, defeating incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who got 121,453 votes, or 47.81 percent.

“All of us are working toward the city’s progress,” Raisa said, noting she has yet to reach out to Baronda since election day.

Baronda shared her emotional response to the results, citing political challenges she faced before the polls.

A former city councilor and executive assistant to the mayor, she was dismissed in March 2024.

“I can recall last year, we—Jam-Jam Baronda and I—felt like it was the end of our service,” she said.

“There was a time we weren’t recognized, and people were afraid to associate with us.”

As vice mayor, Baronda will preside over a City Council dominated by Team Uswag, Raisa’s party.

She said she would pursue her legislative agenda through dialogue and collaboration.

“I believe that if it’s for the betterment of Iloilo City, we will find a way,” she said.

“With the right dialogue and stakeholders, nothing is impossible.”

Among Team Sulong Gugma’s key campaign promises are reducing the 300 percent increase in real property tax and removing parking fees imposed by the city government.