Iloilo City risks losing investors amid political rivalry, biz leader cautions

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A business leader is hoping that local politicians in Iloilo City will have unity to give investors confidence that government policies, regulations, and support for business will be consistent and not subject to disruption due to political conflicts or rivalries.

Felix Tiu, Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter, recalled the period when Jed Patrick Mabilog was mayor and Jerry Treñas served as the lone district representative as a model of political cooperation that attracted investors to the city.

“They are united, and that time, the political climate and the business climate of Iloilo is very progressive and even investors really want to invest in Iloilo,” he said in a press conference on Saturday, November 15.

Tiu emphasized that the impact of a good political climate is evident with the significant investment of Megaworld Corporation in Iloilo City through the development of the Iloilo Business Park, a 72-hectare master-planned central business district in the Mandurriao district.

Treñas and Mabilog were strong political allies in Iloilo City. Treñas served as mayor before Mabilog and then shifted to a congressional role as Mabilog became mayor.

In 2017, a major turning point occurred when Mabilog fled to the United States, claiming safety concerns after he was implicated in the illegal drug trade by the Duterte administration. He returned to Iloilo City in 2024 after nearly seven years in exile.

During the 2025 midterm elections, Treñas had a fallout with lone district Rep. JamJam Baronda, who was seeking her last term. Treñas endorsed his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, for Congress.

The political divide solidified into two main camps: Team Uswag, led by Treñas, and Team Sulong Gugma, comprising the Baronda sisters, JamJam and Love-Love.

Treñas did not seek any electoral post due to health concerns and instead fielded his daughter for the mayoral position. Mabilog, on the other hand, also did not run but supported Baronda’s lineup.

Iloilo City is now led by Treñas-Chu as mayor, Love-Love as vice mayor, and JamJam as the lone district representative.

Tiu said the lack of unity among leaders, similar to the political squabbles in the national government, has further discouraged investors from pursuing projects.

“I am expecting or praying that the political climate of Iloilo will unite so that they can collaborate with the business sector,” he added, clarifying that the business sector remains politically neutral.

“We are non-partisan, but we want to pray that the political parties will unite here in Iloilo,” he added.