Iloilo Vice Gubernatorial Race ‘Negotiations’ Unclear

By Mariela Angella Oladive

As the political scene in Iloilo heats up with the approaching deadline for Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filings, speculation surrounding negotiations for the vice gubernatorial seat remains unclear.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. addressed rumors of potential candidate withdrawals, acknowledging the possibility but refraining from making predictions.

“I cannot say… there may be a possibility, but I do not want to preempt the situation. Let’s see how it will work out,” he said in an interview after filing his candidacy with Fourth District Representative Ferjenel Biron and his running mate, Anilao Mayor Nathalie “Lee Ann” Debuque, on October 7 at the Iloilo Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) filing center at Festive Walk Mall, Mandurriao.

Biron said he has no knowledge of ongoing discussions.

“I am not aware of any negotiation so far. Congresswoman Garin has not spoken to me recently,” he said.

On October 5, Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin suggested that talks might be taking place between Iloilo Fifth District Representative Raul “Boboy” Tupas and Biron’s camp regarding their vice gubernatorial candidates.

This call for discussions followed concerns raised by Tupas about being excluded from the decision-making process concerning Defensor’s choice of Debuque as his running mate, a position Tupas had previously expressed interest in.

Meanwhile, Garin indicated that her camp, Lakas-CMD, which includes Tupas, has yet to decide whether to support Debuque or Tupas if a unity agreement cannot be reached, stressing the need for further discussions with party leaders.

Despite rumors of possible withdrawals in the vice gubernatorial race, both Defensor and Biron have expressed strong support for Debuque, a newcomer to provincial-level politics.

Defensor urged the people of Iloilo to get to know Debuque, describing her as a valuable asset to the provincial government.

“Get to know Mayor Lee Ann Debuque because you will really come to like her,” he said, praising her intelligence, dynamism, and competitiveness—qualities he believes the province needs in a leader.

Biron also declared his full support for Debuque, stating that his family and district are “all out” in backing her.

Debuque expressed her deep appreciation for the trust placed in her by the governor and congressman, saying she is motivated to bring a fresh perspective to the province and represent the youth.

Defensor is seeking reelection for his third and final term, while Biron is running for a second term in the fourth district.

Debuque and Defensor are running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), while Biron is with the Nacionalista Party.

They were joined by their families and supporters on Monday, including Lambunao Mayor Jason Gonzales and Bingawan Mayor Mark Palabrica, both running for Board Member positions, along with Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares and other political allies.