TALE OF TWO RALLIES: Political Rivals in City Hold Different Kick-offs

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Two major political parties in Iloilo City will launch their campaigns in contrasting ways—Team Uswag with a grand rally and Team Sulong Gugma through grassroots village visits.

Team Uswag, led by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, will hold its rally at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on Friday, March 28, and expects to draw around 35,000 supporters.

As early as Thursday, several road closures caused significant traffic congestion in the City Proper.

The Iloilo City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) said full road closure from Quirino Bridge to the Freedom Grandstand will be enforced from noon until the rally ends on March 28.

One-sided parking along Muelle Loney Street will be designated for rally attendees.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes via Guanco and Aldeguer Streets due to expected moderate to heavy traffic.

Meanwhile, Team Sulong Gugma, led by reelectionist Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda, will begin its campaign with a Mass at Arevalo Church followed by visits to various barangays.

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is expected to join the campaign kickoff of Baronda’s slate.

Team Uswag remains the ruling party under Mayor Treñas, who is serving his final term and has endorsed his daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, as his successor.

Team Sulong Gugma emerged as a rival group after Baronda formed her own political team for the 2025 elections.

The split followed accusations by Treñas that Baronda betrayed their alliance.

Baronda is running unopposed for her final term as congresswoman, while Treñas-Chu is seen as a frontrunner for mayor after the two factions reached a political compromise.

Team Uswag has fielded a full slate for vice mayor and city council, with Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon seeking his final term.

Team Sulong Gugma has named Lady Julie Grace “Love” Baronda as its vice mayoral candidate and introduced a 10-member council slate.