Lawmaker confirms not running for mayor

REPRESENTATIVE Jerry Treñas dismissed speculations that he is considering running for Iloilo City mayor next year.

“I am seeking reelection as congressman of the lone city district and so is incumbent city Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and incumbent city Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III and our political alliance is as strong as ever,” Treñas said.

The three political leaders belong to the ruling Liberal Party with Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon as the recognized political leader in Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas.

Among the early nominees for city councilor is the daughter of city Councilor Perla Zulueta, a nephew of the Representative Jay Treñas and former city councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo.

However, Treñas said their political alliance will come up with an acceptable selection process for city councilors. So far, the councilor ticket will have at least five new nominees for the 2013 election as there are three graduating city councilors and two more not acceptable to the alliance.

The graduating city councilors are Zulueta, Jeffrey Ganzon and Ely Estante while belonging to the opposing political camp are city councilors David Jamora and Edward Yee. (Lydia C. Pendon)