‘VOTE AND CAMPAIGN’: Uswag Ilonggo Eyes Bigger Win Backed by Western Visayas

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list is aiming for a bigger win in the 2025 midterm elections, with strong backing from key political figures across Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo City and province.

The regional party-list, which secured one seat in its 2022 election bid, is positioning itself for a more impactful presence in the House of Representatives with the goal of better representing the Ilonggo people.

“This is ours, Ilonggos. There are a lot of party-lists and all of us are good, but if we say that it is for the Ilonggos, we are the best and we are the real ones,” said Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. during the party-list’s grand rally on Saturday, April 26.

Uswag Ilonggo represents the interests of the Ilonggo people across Western Visayas, including Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Negros Occidental, as well as some parts of Mindanao.

“Despite not seeing any programs from us back then, you still voted and supported us,” Ang added.

In the 2022 elections, Uswag Ilonggo garnered 689,607 votes, securing 1.87% of the total party-list votes and placing eighth overall.

With the backing of influential political figures such as Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Uswag Ilonggo is focusing on building a broader coalition to secure more support and additional congressional seats.

Three incumbent congressmen from the province — 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor, 2nd District Rep. Michael Gorriceta, and 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron — also expressed support for the Iloilo-based party-list.

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo himself, also voiced his backing for Uswag Ilonggo, emphasizing its potential to continue the progress he championed during his 24 years in the Senate.

“It is a different story if we have a champion in Congress who will bring improvement to the region. When I was in the Senate, I always bragged that I am the gentleman from Iloilo, and with my bragging, I brought several projects, and that is what is being done by Ang,” Drilon said.

Ang remains Uswag Ilonggo’s first nominee for the upcoming elections.

Also joining the list of nominees are former Ibajay, Aklan Mayor Maria Lourdes Miraflores, lawyer-businessman Jerry Opinion, Jocelyn A. Tan, Anita G. Buñi, Genevieve T. Salcedo, Cris Marie Angelie Pacificador Español, party secretary-general Jeric Jucaban, Reynaldo V. Pelongco, and lawyer Alfredo Arungayan III.

Ang emphasized the importance of not only voting but also actively campaigning to secure the party-list’s success.

“My appeal to you is to not just vote for the party-list but also campaign. This party-list is the real representation of us, Ilonggos. Campaign in your family, barangays, and wherever your family is, especially in Mindanao,” he said.

“Trust me. I will not be speaking in front of you if I am just making a fool of you. We promise to sincerely deliver our services,” Ang added.