‘NO RIVALRY HERE’: Rep. Ang says Debuque, Defensor will stay allies

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. downplayed a potential political rivalry between Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor and Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque in the 2028 elections, expressing confidence they will remain allies.

Ang was asked whom he would support between Debuque and Defensor if they ran against each other for governor.

“Whoever they are, I will support them,” Ang said, signaling a neutral but conciliatory stance while emphasizing unity over political division.

He added that he does not expect the two officials to face off in the gubernatorial race, noting their leadership roles could complement each other.

“They will complement each other. There is no need for rivalry,” Ang said.

The lawmaker said political leaders in Iloilo should prioritize collaboration to accelerate development in the province.

“We need to help each other so development for our people will move faster. Hopefully, Iloilo will remain united,” he added.

Ang’s statement comes amid early political discussions on the 2028 elections, with Defensor widely seen as a potential gubernatorial candidate once his congressional term ends.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., the congressman’s older brother, recently said a return to Congress representing Iloilo’s 3rd District is among the options he may consider after his term ends in 2028, and acknowledged that his brother may likely seek the governorship.

Debuque, for her part, dismissed the speculation in a Facebook post showing her with Defensor.

“Makontrahanay kita kuno?” (Are we supposed to run against each other?) she wrote, followed by a firm “No.”

She previously said she has no plans to run for governor and remains focused on her current role, although her name continues to surface in political speculation.

Debuque is serving her first term at the provincial level after previously completing three terms as mayor of Anilao, Iloilo. She won the vice gubernatorial race in 2025, defeating former Vice Gov. Raul “Boboy” Tupas with 547,462 votes, or 51.95 percent.