OVERWHELMING SUPPORT. Backers of Team Gugma gather at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City on Tuesday (Oct. 8, 2024) to show their support for its slate. The candidates filed their certificates of candidacy through a representative. (Contributed photo)
ILOILO CITY – Team Uswag and Team Gugma in this city finally ended months of speculation on whether or not they will launch separate candidacies in the congressional and mayoral race in the 2025 midterm elections.
On Tuesday, three minutes after the filing of certificates of candidacy closed, the two camps released a joint statement that they are leaving the positions of the lone district representative and mayor in either of their slates unopposed.
“After deep reflection and sincere dialogue, we have decided to come together once again for the greater good of our beloved city,” said a statement signed by Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda of Team Ugma and Raisa Treñas-Chu from Team Uswag.
“Our differences are small compared to the shared vision we have for our city’s future. We believe that through unity, we can lead this city to greater heights and ensure a better tomorrow for all."
Baronda is seeking reelection while Treñas-Chu is a first-time mayoral bet.
Both teams fielded their candidates from the vice mayor down to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council).
Baronda and her group filed their certificates of candidacy through a representative while they remained at the University of San Agustin gym for a Mass and a proclamation rally.
Joining her slate are her sister Love Joy Baronda, who will run for vice mayor, and candidates for the city council – former councilors Sheen Marie Mabilog and lawyer R. Leone Gerochi; neophytes lawyer Kesha Pesina, Peter Emil Oñate, Dr. Graceson Dela Llana, Pastor Stanley Flores, broadcaster Jun Capulot, Mor Espinosa, GM Ramos, and Bryant Zulueta.
The team of Treñas-Chu heard a Mass before a caravan and a parade going to Robinsons Place to file their COCs.
Her slate included reelectionist Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and incumbent councilors Sedfrey Cabaluna, Romel Duron, Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, Rex Sarabia, Frances Grace Parcon-Torres, Miguel Treñas, lawyer Sheila Olid, Lyndon Acap, who is making a comeback, and neophytes Nene Dela Llana and Sheila Olid.
In a separate statement, Treñas-Chu said she was thankful for the overwhelming support they received when they filed their COCs.
“As we move forward, I humbly ask for your continued trust and support. This journey is not ours alone – it is a collective effort, and with your help, we are confident that we can continue to uplift and improve the lives of every Ilonggo,” she said. (PNA)
