Ninja Moves and October Surprises

By the time this editorial sees print, much could have changed in the developing political narrative surrounding the potential alliance between Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Congresswoman Jam Baronda.

While the two have yet to confirm their political union for the 2025 elections, recent moves signal the high-stakes maneuvering typical of Philippine political “October surprises.”

Mayor Treñas, on his way out of office, has made his intentions clear: he supports his daughter Raisa’s bid for the mayoralty. In what seems like a strategic move to secure continuity, Treñas dangled an alliance with Baronda, a potential kingmaker in the upcoming elections. But is this a last-ditch effort to ensure the Treñas dynasty’s hold on City Hall?

Treñas’ announcement of support for his daughter and potential political union with Baronda raises a crucial question: is this a brilliant political chess move or an act of desperation to preserve a family legacy? The offer could be seen as an attempt to “jump the gun,” preemptively positioning his camp in a favorable light while placing pressure on Baronda to make her move.

For Baronda, accepting this alliance could help her save on resources and avoid a bruising political campaign. But what of her supporters, many of whom were with her when Treñas initially distanced himself over the Raisa issue? The risk here is two-fold: alienating her base and appearing to compromise her political independence.

The most interesting variable in this evolving narrative is the possible re-entry of former Mayor Jed Mabilog. Once a popular figure in Iloilo politics, Mabilog’s return would stir the political landscape, offering his supporters an alternative to the Treñas-Baronda alliance. While he has not confirmed any intentions to rejoin the fray, the mere possibility of Mabilog’s involvement could shift voter sentiment, possibly eroding support for Treñas and his camp.

Baronda could also opt to break away entirely and run on her own, letting Treñas and his camp fend for themselves. While this move would grant her political autonomy, it also opens her up to a potentially costly and divisive election, with no guarantees of success.

This episode is a reflection of the larger problem of dynastic politics that has become all too common in the Philippines. The notion of political families passing the torch within their ranks perpetuates a system that limits real democratic choice. Whether Treñas’ latest move will be successful remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this is about more than just power for one more term; it’s about securing a dynasty.

As the campaign season draws nearer, voters must ask themselves: what do these political maneuvers mean for Iloilo City’s future? Are they simply witnessing a survival tactic by entrenched political families, or is this a genuine push for progress? With so much at stake, the outcome of this political drama will undoubtedly shape the city’s landscape for years to come.

Ultimately, it is the people of Iloilo who will bear the consequences of these “ninja moves,” as they head to the polls in May 2025. Will they opt for continuity, disruption, or a completely new political order? Whatever the case, this battle of political wills promises to be anything but ordinary.