Treñas Bloc Set to Control City Council Committees

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas appears to have solidified her political control over the city legislature, with all 11 councilors under Team Uswag expected to secure chairmanships in the 12th City Council.

A draft list circulated ahead of the second regular session on Wednesday, July 9, shows all 32 standing committees will be led by members of the ruling party.

This leaves opposition Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog of Team Sulong Gugma without a single leadership post.

Mabilog said the move was expected given her minority status but emphasized her respect for the majority’s decision.

“If that will be the decision of the majority of the City Council, I will respect that,” she said.

“I stand with what I want and I hope they will give me a chance to hold a committee in the council,” she added.

She earlier expressed interest in leading the Committee on Labor, Employment, Manpower Development and Placement and the Committee on Education, Science and Technology.

Despite being left out of the proposed assignments, Mabilog said her legislative role remains undiminished.

“We will still function as a councilor. We can still propose ordinances and policies that we want,” she said.

Without a committee chairmanship, Mabilog would have less formal authority, fewer leadership opportunities, and reduced visibility within the council.

While she can still participate in discussions and vote, her ability to shape the agenda and lead initiatives would be significantly limited compared to those holding committee posts.

The proposed chairmanships are subject to formal approval during Wednesday’s regular session.

Vice Mayor Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda, an ally of Mabilog, said she respects the majority bloc’s decision and acknowledged its right to assign leadership roles.

Baronda added that she would convene a pre-session meeting to discuss the proposed committee assignments with council members.