Mayor denies influencing city councilors’ decisions

By John Noel E. Herrera

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas denied allegations that he was influencing the decisions of city councilors on certain issues tackled in the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Treñas was referring to allegations that he blocked proposed investigations on euthanasia or mercy killing of dogs in Mandurriao district on orders of the City Veterinarian’s Office.

He said he does not dip into issues taken up by the SP nor does he dictate upon the councilors on what to do.

“Wala ko ya gani kabalo kung ano ang ila gina-take-up (Iloilo City Council). Daw hindi manami kay ang city council kabalo man na sila. Ang mga konsehal hindi ta man na madiktahan. Waay ko gadikta sa mga konsehal,” the mayor said.

(I do not even know what issues they are taking up in the council. It’s not good because the city council knows what they are doing. We cannot dictate the councilors. I am not dictating them.)

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Government said it was already investigating the euthanasia or mercy killings of dogs and puppies caught by the City Veterinarian’s Office.

City Veterinarian Dr. Tomas Forteza already took responsibility and admitted the killings in radio interviews but clarified that he was not under the supervision of the City Pound.