TANDEM. Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. (right) files his bid for his final term, together with his running mate, Anilao Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque, at the Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo City on Monday (Oct. 7, 2024). Defensor describes her running mate as intelligent, dynamic and competitive. (Contributed photo)
ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. filed his certificate of candidacy for his third and final term along with a “fresh face” as running mate, Anilao Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque on Monday.
Defensor and Debuque are running under the administration’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.
Defensor, in a media interview at the Festive Mall in Mandurriao District, assured Ilonggos that his running mate could deliver.
He described the 29-year-old Debuque as intelligent, dynamic and competitive.
“We are introducing a candidate who is not an incumbent. Let us get to know Mayor Lee Ann Debuque. She is new in the provincial level of politics,” he said.
The governor said his leadership resulted in a more robust, progressive and globally competitive Iloilo, adding that this has been the attitude of the provincial government since he first assumed the office in 2019.
“We are always competing, not against everyone but against ourselves. We compete not only for the win but most importantly, that is the sure way to win,” he added.
Debuque said she hopes to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives to the provincial government, give voice to the youth which comprises a big population of Iloilo, and set a good example that age is not a reason to refuse responsibility.
“I am the governor’s choice, but I also want to be your choice,” she said.
Defensor was accompanied by his father, former governor Arthur Defensor Sr., and his mother, Cosette.
Debuque, now on her third term, was accompanied by her mother, Anilao Vice Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque. (PNA)
