Iloilo Governor Defensor to Run Unopposed

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is poised to secure a third and final term as the province’s chief executive after his sole challenger, Mary Frances Chloe Noble, withdrew her candidacy late last year.

Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson confirmed on Tuesday, January 7, that Noble, a 28-year-old resident of Barangay Baybay Sur, Miagao, Iloilo, formally withdrew her bid on December 26, 2024.

Noble had filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 8, 2024, the last day of the filing period. With her withdrawal, Defensor is the only candidate for the Provincial Governor position, making his name the sole entry on the official ballots for Iloilo.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has begun printing ballots in preparation for the May 2025 polls.

Defensor’s Political Journey

Defensor, running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), filed his COC on October 7, 2024. The PFP is the political party of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

His running mate for vice governor is Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque.

During his candidacy filing, Defensor highlighted his vision of propelling Iloilo to greater progress through innovative leadership and competitive governance.

Defensor first won the gubernatorial seat in 2019 and was re-elected in 2022.

Election Timeline

The official election period will run from January 12 to June 11, 2025, during which restrictions such as a gun ban will be enforced.

National candidates may begin their campaigns on February 11, while local candidates, including Defensor, can campaign from March 28 to May 10.

Overseas voting is scheduled for April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voting will take place from April 28 to 30.

A liquor ban will be in effect on May 11, the day before Election Day, which is set for May 12, 2025.

All candidates must submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) by June 11, 2025.