Mabilog’s Return: Justice and/or Politics?

Jed Patrick Mabilog, the former mayor of Iloilo City, has finally broken his silence.

After years in self-imposed exile following then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s accusations of narco-politics, Mabilog recently expressed his desire to return home, face the accusations, and clear his name.

His emotional appeal — “Simple lang po ang gusto ko — gusto ko lang po umuwi” — reflects not just a personal yearning for peace but a potentially bigger, more strategic political play.

Mabilog’s departure in 2017 was a defensive move to protect himself and his family. At that time, Duterte’s war on drugs had put him on the spot as a supposed high-profile local official involved in the illegal drug trade.

No charges were filed against him despite the accusations, leaving him in a state of limbo — a public figure convicted in the court of public opinion but without formal charges to address in the courts of law.

In this twilight zone, Mabilog has lived in exile, and only now is he signaling his willingness to return.

The timing of Mabilog’s statement raises theories about his political future. Clearing his name is undoubtedly his top priority, but it’s naive to assume that his return would be solely about personal redemption.

Mabilog, always a popular local leader, could be eyeing a political comeback and he cannot be faulted if he does so. His potential return would not go unnoticed by political powerhouses in Iloilo City and Region VI. His reentry could reignite old alliances and rivalries, throwing local politics into a fresh state of flux.

Indeed, his claim that no cases have been filed against him is a significant point of leverage. If, after years of allegations, nothing substantial comes to light, Mabilog could use this as a powerful narrative of vindication. It’s a story not just of survival but of endurance against what he might frame as politically motivated smears.

His return could be framed as a symbol of resilience, potentially winning back the support of his former constituents who may have grown disillusioned with the political landscape during his absence.

However, politics in Iloilo City is not without its complications. Mabilog’s path back to public life, if that’s his endgame, will be fraught with challenges. Incumbent political figures will watch his every move, ready to either welcome him back as an ally or oppose him as a threat. The city’s political scene has evolved in his absence, and Mabilog will have to navigate these new dynamics carefully if he hopes to reclaim any significant role.

In an era when politics is dominated by perception and media narratives, Mabilog’s story is far from over. His willingness to return home and confront his past will surely draw public and political attention. But his future will depend not just on clearing his name but on how he positions himself once he steps back into the spotlight.

For now, the question remains: Will Mabilog’s return truly be about finding peace, or is this the first step toward a larger political comeback?