PALS NO MORE?: Treñas surprised by criticism from ‘friend’ Mabilog

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Francis Allan Angelo

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed surprise after former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, a long-time political ally and friend, criticized his administration.

“I’m really surprised why it’s like that. I received him well,” Treñas said, referring to Mabilog’s courtesy visit to City Hall on September 20, the former mayor’s birthday. This was their first meeting after Mabilog’s seven-year self-imposed exile abroad.

Treñas clarified that he does not consider Mabilog an enemy and emphasized that they never had any personal disagreements. He pointed out their close political alliance, having both won in 2010, 2013, and 2016 when Treñas was a congressman and Mabilog was mayor.

During his visit, Mabilog acknowledged Treñas’ role in his political career, saying, “He made me in terms of my political career before.”

However, their political dynamics shifted after Mabilog’s October 10 Facebook post, which raised several issues facing Iloilo City residents.

Mabilog’s post highlighted concerns such as a 300% increase in real property taxes, paid parking on city streets, increased fees for sari-sari stores, allegations that 200 Grab car units are owned by a single individual, and delays in wage payments for city job hires and permanent employees.

Although Mabilog did not name specific individuals in his post, the issues mentioned pertain to policies implemented under Treñas’ administration.

Mabilog, now supporting Team Gugma-Sulong led by Rep. Julienne Baronda, addressed these issues during the team’s proclamation rally on October 8, stating they would be resolved by Baronda’s slate.

Treñas, currently on medical leave, assured the public that he would respond to the concerns raised once he returns to work.

“I’m still resting. Once I return, I’ll address the issues. I’m just regaining my strength,” Treñas said.

On Thursday, October 17, Treñas and his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, will have a “relaxed lunch” with the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps. Raisa is running for city mayor in the 2025 midterm elections under Team Uswag, after her father announced he would not seek another term due to health concerns.

Treñas emphasized that his recent exchanges with Mabilog hold no political undertones, as neither he nor Mabilog is running for office.

“Anyway, he is not running, and I am not running either,” Treñas said.

Team Uswag and Team Gugma-Sulong have formed a “unity team” to support the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign.

According to sources, Mabilog was forced to withdraw his plans to run for his old post despite earlier preparations by Baronda, who is seeking a third term as representative.

Under the unity agreement, Baronda, Team Gugma-Sulong’s standard-bearer, and Raisa Treñas agreed not to contest each other’s respective congressional and mayoral posts.

Despite this arrangement, both candidates will still face opposition in the upcoming elections.

Baronda will run against perennial candidate Carmelo Carreon and independent candidate Danilo Purzuelo. Raisa Treñas will be running against businessman Roland Magahin.

Both slates have also fielded their respective candidates for vice mayor and city council positions.

Incumbent vice mayor Jeffrey Ganzon is seeking a final term under Team Gugma-Sulong and will face former councilor Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda, Rep. Baronda’s sister.