Team Uswag to file COCs today

TRIO Rep. Jerry Treñas, former Iloilo City Councilor Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon in a huddle.

FORMER Iloilo City Councilor Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda and Rep. Jerry Treñas will lead “Team Uswag” in filing their Certificates of Candidacy this morning at the City Election Office for next year’s elections.

Team Uswag will hear a Holy Mass around 7:30 a.m. at the Santa Maria Parish Church before walking to the City Election Office at the Iloilo Terminal Market. Thousands of their supporters are expected to join them along with their own families.

Baronda, who will vie for congresswoman, and Treñas, who will return as mayor, will run under the National Unity Party (NUP) along with their candidates for councilor – Love Baronda, Jay Treñas, Ely Estante, Armand Parcon, Reyland Hervias, Atty. Rommel Duron, Punong Barangay Jojo Javellana, former Punong Barangay Gibo Garcia, and social worker Allan Zaldivar.

Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and his son Rudolf, who will run for councilor, will be under their own Timawa Party.

Treñas said they are now under the NUP because apart from being aligned with the party’s principles, its leader, House Deputy Speaker and Cong. Fredenil Castro, is just nearby in Capiz and would be very accessible.

NUP is also allied with Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

“We chose NUP for the greater benefit of the City of Iloilo,” Treñas said.

Baronda, meanwhile, said she is now formally taking on the challenge of her friends, supporters, and leaders.

“Honestly, I did not plot this run. It was only when I was coming home early this year to facilitate the projects of Sen. JV Ejercito when I gave serious consideration on running because everyone was asking me to run. So I am simply answering the call of the Ilonggos to once again experience the Jam-Jam Baronda brand of public service,” she said.

Baronda, who served for almost five years as Chief Political Officer of Sen. Ejercito, added, “I realized that indeed I can help our city if I am home, if I am with the Ilonggos, if we work together, if our leadership are aligned and are working in harmony. I am home now because no one can love this place more than its very own daughter.”

She added that with the entire “Team Uswag” at the helm, Iloilo City will be more than just a premier city.

“Iloilo City will be the King City of the South.” And through their love of the Ilonggo public, the city’s progress and economic boom will continue.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Election Officer Reiner Layson said they will follow the “first come, first served” basis in case two political groups arrive simultaneously on the last day of the filing of COCs today.

According to Layson, there is a possibility that the groups of Pacita Gonzales, wife of the late Raul Gonzales Sr. and lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas will arrive simultaneously.

“Padayon ang koordinasyon naton sa two groups nga ina. May i-maintain kita nga holding area nga pagahulatan sang isa ka group enkaso mag-abtanay sila. Pero ginatan-aw na hindi man gid sila magdungan,” said Layson.

He assured that they are coordinating with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to closely monitor the security of the area for the filing of COCs.

“Nag coordinate kita sa ICPO and i-plastar gid naton ang security sang parade nila and of course ang security sang venue sang aton filing diri sa Iloilo Terminal Building,” he said.

Layson also appealed to the supporters of the two groups to cooperate and remain calm.

“Ginapangabay nga magcooperate lang ang tanan para matawhay and successful ang filing of COCs. Indi kita magpa-abot sang emotions. Dapat makalma lang ta and silently support our candidates,” he said.

The group of Pacita Gonzales, who will be running for mayor, will be joined by Joshua A. Lim for congressman and Plaridel Nava for vice mayor in filing their COCs today.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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