‘LET’S DO IT’: VM-elect Baronda Reaches Out to Mayor-elect Treñas

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Despite Rep. Julienne Baronda’s earlier statement that any reconciliation should come from Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas’ camp, Vice Mayor-elect Lady Julie “Love” Grace Baronda said Monday, June 9, that she will take the initiative.

The incoming vice mayor confirmed in a radio interview that she will send a letter to the mayor-elect to seek reconciliation between their respective camps.

She emphasized that neither she nor her sister, the congresswoman, had received any formal communication from Treñas’ side and only learned about their openness to reconcile through media reports.

“As far as me and my sister are concerned, nobody reached out from their camp,” Baronda said.

“If that happened, we could have responded right away. Who wouldn’t want reconciliation?”

“For me, I plan to write a formal letter to Mayor-elect Raisa so we can discuss when we may meet,” she added.

“We can discuss where, what time, and what date. It would be good for us to properly establish the details and to be transparent that we did reach out.”

Outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed in a statement that his office had received Baronda’s letter.

He said the letter would be forwarded to Mayor-elect Raisa Treñas, as she had not yet officially assumed office.

“We acknowledge the spirit of unity and collaboration expressed in Vice Mayor-elect Baronda’s message, and we truly appreciate her initiative in reaching out for a sincere and productive dialogue in the service of the people of Iloilo City,” the mayor said.

Raisa Treñas said on June 5 that she is open to reconciling with the Baronda camp, which currently includes only the Baronda sisters and Councilor-elect Sheen Mabilog.

Rep. Baronda welcomed the offer the next day, saying they would prefer a face-to-face meeting rather than public statements made through traditional or social media.

Later that same day, the mayor-elect confirmed her willingness to meet in person to pursue reconciliation.

Cracks in the Treñas-Baronda alliance—formed during the 2019 elections and renewed in 2022—began showing in March 2024.

This followed outgoing Mayor Jerry Treñas’ endorsement of his daughter Raisa for the city’s congressional seat, a position then held by Julienne Baronda, who was planning to run for a third and final term.

Tensions further escalated when Lady Julie Grace and their father, Councilor Urminico Baronda III, were ceremoniously removed from their posts as executive assistant and committee chairperson, respectively.

However, friction eased when Raisa ultimately chose to run for mayor, avoiding a direct clash with Julienne.