The Thriller

By The Sunriser

As the Philippine political circus spins into high gear, the usual suspects in Iloilo City are delivering a riveting drama worthy of a prime-time telenovela.

The protagonists? No less than the local powerhouses themselves: Mayor Jerry Treñas, Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda, and the ever-mysterious former mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog, lurking somewhere in the shadows like a political Batman.

Each move is shrouded in coyness and suspense, leaving Ilonggos on the edge of their seats, wondering who will strike first.

Mayor Treñas seems to be playing Iloilo’s own Sherlock Holmes. Missing in action since September 28 (cue dramatic music), his deputy, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, has taken the reins. Not that anyone has dared ask too loudly where the mayor went. Was it pneumonia? A vacation in Taguig? Or perhaps just a long overdue executive check-up for a man who seems to be a magnet for health issues?

One wonders if Treñas is secretly training for the Ironman Triathlon, given his latest weight loss and dedication to monitoring his blood sugar. Nevertheless, the official story remains locked in an “Executive Order,” with Ganzon stepping into the mayoral shoes until further notice.

But wait—Treñas hasn’t left us completely in the dark. In true thriller fashion, he dropped a tantalizing hint on Facebook, proclaiming that “any political configuration” could be explored, so long as it benefits the people. A configuration? Is this an alliance? A merger? Or a carefully choreographed ballroom dance between politicians who just can’t decide if they want to step on each other’s toes or lead the way to a harmonious duet?

Then there’s Rep. Baronda, the political starlet who continues to shine so brightly that even Treñas’ daughter, Raisa, struggles to cast a shadow. Baronda’s charisma is practically an immovable monolith, and it seems like nothing short of a political earthquake can shift her from the hearts of her constituents. Of course, there’s also the subplot of a potential alliance between Baronda and the enigmatic Mabilog. Some even spotted their supporters wearing matching campaign shirts, as if to say, “The dynamic duo is back, baby!” Perhaps Baronda is looking for a co-star to share the limelight, and Mabilog—ever the comeback king—might be angling for a role.

And here comes the Mabilog factor. Ever since his untimely exit from City Hall, Iloilo’s prodigal son has been biding his time in political exile, waiting for his moment to return. Could it be 2025? Or is he just teasing his fans with cryptic messages about “pure love” and “praying for the best choice”? Are we witnessing a spiritual awakening or just a cliffhanger in the political soap opera that is his career? The suspense builds with every non-answer.

The rumor mill suggests that Mabilog might be barred from running due to those pesky “legal impediments.” But in true thriller fashion, could there be a last-minute twist? Will an angel descend from the clouds, waving a magical document that erases all his troubles? Or will the political gods intervene, and grant him the miracle of a spotless record, allowing him to step back into the spotlight?

As these political titans circle each other, Iloilo City waits with bated breath. Will Treñas avoid a head-on collision with Baronda and Mabilog? Will he manage to slip out of this thriller unscathed, or will Baronda’s unbeatable charm (and Mabilog’s mystique) leave him boxed in? And what about his daughter Raisa—will she crack the enigma of Baronda’s popularity or fade quietly into the background, like so many before her?

One thing is certain: the drama is far from over. The filing of candidacies has turned into a slow-motion car chase, with everyone pretending they’re not watching, while in fact, they’re glued to every twist and turn. Who will file? Who will fold? And who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes game of Iloilo City political chess? Stay tuned for the next episode.

Because, after all, this is Philippine politics—where the only thing predictable is its unpredictability.