‘WHAT IS HIS PROBLEM?’: Treñas-Chu, Lujan clash as Capitol reminds staff on posts

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu has called out Jose Nereo Lujan, head of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office, over his social media posts criticizing the city government, saying she does not understand the source of his criticisms.

In an ambush interview on Tuesday, Treñas-Chu said she could not understand Lujan’s criticisms, noting that residents and tourists have been praising the city on social media.

Lujan has been among the vocal critics of Treñas-Chu’s father, former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Treñas-Chu succeeded her father at City Hall after winning the mayoral race in the May 2025 elections.

“I cannot understand why he is acting like that. […] What is it for him? Why is he doing that for the city? I do not know. Does he have a personal issue with me? I have not worked with him. I haven’t worked with him. I haven’t talked to him. So we should ask him, what is his problem?” she said.

The mayor said Lujan appeared to be “blinded” to the positive developments in Iloilo City, adding that she saw no need to continue responding to his remarks.

“It is unfortunate for the city if we are doing all of these things to make sure that Iloilo City will become one of the highly urbanized cities, yet there is one person whose issue we do not know. I think it is not proper for us to continue addressing that because we have so much work to do,” she said.

Treñas-Chu said she had not yet reached out to Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., whose administration Lujan’s office is part of, saying she had been occupied with the affairs of the city.

She also welcomed a memorandum issued by the provincial government reminding its employees to exercise caution when posting on social media.

On Friday, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias issued a memorandum reminding provincial government employees to exercise discretion when posting on social media, particularly when expressing opinions concerning public officials and government functions.

The memorandum acknowledged employees’ freedom of expression and right to express opinions on matters of public concern. It clarified, however, that opinions expressed without approval from the proper authority are considered personal and not part of an employee’s official functions.

It also covered commentaries concerning the performance of public functions by officials of national government agencies and other local government units.

The memorandum directed employees to attach a disclaimer to public opinions and commentaries, including those posted on social media, stating that the “statement is being issued in a personal capacity and is not in any way related to my official functions as an employee of the Iloilo Provincial Government.”

Asked whether she would still elevate Lujan’s actions to Defensor despite the memorandum, Treñas-Chu said she would study the matter but remained focused on implementing the city government’s programs and projects.

“We have so many things that we need to address, and we have programs to implement. Today is a very hectic day for everyone. We no longer have time for that,” she said.

Lujan responds

Lujan, who noted he was born in Iloilo City, said his criticisms were directed at the city administration, not at Iloilo City itself.

“I care about this city. My criticism is not of Iloilo City. It is of governance when I believe governance deserves to be questioned,” he said.

Lujan said there was a distinction between the city and the officials entrusted with governing it.

“Questioning those in authority does not mean being against the city. On the contrary, I speak because I care about what happens to Iloilo City and because I believe that those entrusted with its governance should be open to scrutiny and criticism,” he added.

Lujan said the city was bigger than any administration or political group.

“Iloilo City is much bigger than any mayor, administration, political group, or generation of public officials. It belongs to its people. Its character has been shaped over generations by its history, heritage, culture, and the Ilonggos who call it home,” he said.

“So when I criticize something being done—or not being done—by those running City Hall, please do not confuse that with putting down Iloilo City,” he added.