Hours before the filing deadline for candidates, two major political parties in Iloilo City, Team Uswag and Team Gugma-Sulong, announced their unity in fielding candidates for the 2025 local elections.
In a joint statement, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda and Raisa Treñas-Chu revealed they would leave the congressional and mayoral posts unopposed, with Baronda seeking her last term and Treñas-Chu running for mayor after her father’s decision to step down due to health issues.
They expressed regret over past tensions between their camps, which stemmed from disagreements earlier this year, and emphasized their commitment to a harmonious election.
Despite this unity, each party will still nominate candidates for vice mayor and city council positions, leading to a contested vice mayoral race between incumbents and new candidates.
Former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announced he would not run for mayor, citing a desire to promote peace and unity within the city’s leadership.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 10, 2024
