Mayor Treñas Recovering After Surgery, Return Soon

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has been discharged from the hospital, 11 days after undergoing bile duct surgery.

In a statement shared via Viber on Friday, November 22, Treñas expressed relief over his recovery and outlined his plans for a gradual return to Iloilo.

“After 11 days from my operation, I have been finally discharged,” he wrote. “I will stay in my condo for two weeks for final check-ups with my doctors, after which I will leave for Iloilo. I will take it easy for the next two weeks or so after I get to Iloilo.”

The mayor, who has been on medical leave since September 26, plans to resume his duties once fully recovered.

During his absence, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon has been serving as acting mayor, with Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna stepping in as vice mayor.

Treñas had been hospitalized at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City for treatment related to a bile duct blockage.

He underwent two bile duct procedures—one in October and a major surgery earlier this month.

In an earlier interview, Treñas dismissed rumors that he had cancer, clarifying that his condition involved a bile duct blockage. He explained that doctors initially attempted an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose and treat the problem, but the procedure was unsuccessful.

This resulted in complications, including jaundice—a condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes—and the need for additional treatments, such as a temporary bile drainage tube.

The mayor will celebrate his 68th birthday on December 4. Until his return, Vice Mayor Ganzon will continue to oversee city operations as acting mayor.