NON-PARTISAN WHAT?: Dinagyang Car Pass Bears Election Logo, Slogan of Mayor’s Daughter

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

“Rais and Shine,” the campaign tagline of mayoral candidate Raisa Treñas-Chu, daughter of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, was printed on car passes distributed for the Dinagyang Festival.

A copy of the car pass obtained by Daily Guardian showed logos for the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, the Iloilo City Government, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., and Raisa’s campaign logo.

The car passes were distributed by the city government, suggesting that printing costs were covered by public funds.

Daily Guardian sought comment from the city government but has yet to receive a response.

Raisa’s campaign materials and social media posts have prominently featured slogans such as “Rais and Shine,” “Raisa Cares,” “RISE Iloilo,” and “Uswag Iloilo.”

She previously served as an executive assistant to her father and initiated programs like the JPT Ediscape communal gardening initiative and the RISE-A-FARM program, aimed at fighting hunger and promoting agricultural development.

Raisa resigned from her post on October 7, 2024, one day before filing her candidacy.

Earlier this month, Mayor Treñas issued Executive Order No. 167 to ensure a safe, secure, and non-partisan celebration of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival.

The order explicitly prohibits political slogans, propaganda materials, and anti-government slogans during the festival.

It also bans election-related materials, including those with names or images of candidates, within 20 meters of judging areas.

In a statement on January 9, Mayor Treñas emphasized that the festival should remain apolitical.

“The Dinagyang Festival is a celebration rooted in faith and devotion. It should never serve as a platform for political campaigns, as doing so would defeat the purpose of this sacred celebration,” Treñas said.

The official election period for the 2025 midterm elections began on January 12, while the local campaign period will start on March 28, ahead of the May 12 elections.

“I urge everyone to respect the solemnity of this event by keeping it free from political and election-related activities,” the mayor added.