Did Treñas order Baronda’s ouster from committees?

ILOILO City – Did Mayor Jerry Treñas give a specific order to his allies in the city council to strip Councilor Urminico Baronda of his committee chairmanships?

“The city council decides what is best. I fully support all their decisions,” said Treñas.

When pressed further to elaborate on his response, the mayor said that the removal of committee chairmanships from a perceived opposition official is a normal course of action in politics.

“Every time there is a shift of alliance, there would always be change,” Treñas said during a press conference yesterday.

Councilor Baronda, a former city health officer, is set to be removed as chairman of three Sang gun iang Panlungsod (SP) committees: Health, Sanitation and Hospital Services; Education, Science and Technology; and Information, Technology and Computerization.

Such a political movement developed after Treñas announced his political split from Cong. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, daughter of Councilor Baronda.

Likewise, Treñas said about six or seven former city officials have signified their interest in being part of the party’s lineup for next year’s election.

“But they have to go through the process being observed by the party. We will also consult our youth and village council members, and former and incumbent captains, among other sectors,” said Treñas.

The major standards to be included in the administration’s official ticket include performance, qualifications and integrity.

In a separate interview, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon said he was expecting majority floor leader Frances Grace Parcon to include the matter for discussion in the city council’s agenda during their special session yesterday. But such a matter was not included in the council’s agenda.

“Probably by next week,

they (councilors) will decide on

it. Basi naga pamalandong lang

na sila subong,” said Ganzon

in jest.

For his part , Councilor Alan Zaldivar, co- chairperson of the committee on health, sanitation, and hospital services, said he is merely waiting for the decision of the majority of council members in case there is a vacancy on the committee.

“I will accept the committee chairmanship t o continue the health services to our constituents,” he said.

Zaldivar said the health committee was given to him during his first term as city councilor. If it would be given to him anew, he said he will continue what the committee has been doing to benefit the Ilonggos in terms of health services.

During his press conference on March 16, Mayor Treñas announced that his daughter and executive assistant, Raisa

Treñas-Chu, would be his official candidate for congresswoman in the upcoming midterm elections. He also confirmed a meeting with Cong. Baronda, who expressed respect for his decision.

Treñas was instrumental in Baronda winning the city’s congressional seat in 2019 and 2022.

On the same day, Cong. Baronda acknowledged her meeting with Treñas, describing it as “sincere and honest” but did not disclose further details./