IRON LADY IN THE HOUSE: Ex-councilor Zulueta eyed as congressional bet

FORMER councilor Perla Zulueta

THE race for the lone congressional seat of Iloilo City in May 2019 might become a contest for two former lady-councilors.

This, as former councilor Perla Zulueta, the “Iron Lady of the City Council,” declared that she is open to running for the district seat in tandem with Mayor Jose “Joe” Espinosa III.

If Zulueta throws her hat into the political ring once more, she will face fellow former councilor Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda who is with the camp of incumbent Rep. Jerry Treñas.

Treñas is also running for mayor against his bilas (brother-in-law), Mayor Espinosa.

Another congressional bet is Councilor Joshua Alim who is identified with the group of former congresswoman Pacita Gonzalez, widow of the late justice secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr.

Zulueta, who is now Espinosa’s executive assistant for education, said nothing is definite yet but the mayor’s camp is considering her for the congressional post.

She said that Espinosa has yet to finalize his late with less than two weeks before the filing of certificates of candidacies on Oct 11-17.

“If there are instances where the one nga napupusuan mo daw waay man bala gahulag kag wala gana, I think they want somebody nga makahambal kun desidido siya. And they probably thought of me,” she told the City Hall beat reporters in an interview on Sept 27.

She said she is willing to run “if there are no more options left” for Espinosa.

Zulueta said she will not find it hard to work in Congress as the legislative branch is “a familiar ground” for her, having served as a legislator for 19 years.

She was a board member of Iloilo Province representing the first district from 1988-1992. She also completed three terms as city councilor until 2013.

“Except for the fact that (Congress) is on a bigger scale, practically it is still the same, the parliamentary rules. And I am fond of legislative, not much on the executive. You get to learn because there are debates,” she said.

She said she will make a final decision before the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) on Oct 11-17 or if Espinosa will invite her to take formally join the Nacionalista Party (NP).

“I have yet to be invited but maybe that will be the sign,” she said.

Zulueta’s daughter, incumbent city councilor Liezl Joy Zulueta-Salazar earlier confirmed that she is joining NP. This, after she lost in a mock poll conducted by Treñas’ group last week.

Treñas called for the “consensus voting” with barangay captains to determine the 12 potential city councilors under his slate. Salazar landed on the 15th spot.

In a phone interview with the City Hall beat reporters, Baronda said she welcomes the possible candidacy of Zulueta.

Baronda said she cannot choose her opponents in politics.

“This is the election and anybody who wants to serve the Ilonggos is welcome. I am happy for her also. Awayon ta man lang ni. Election man lang ni. After sina wala na. After all, what matters most diri ang aton nga service sa pumuluyo,” Baronda said.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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