Trenas siblings deliver what Baronda promised but failed to do
One year into their terms and amid continuing economic hardship, contrasting actions from Iloilo City’s two prominent political families have drawn renewed public attention.
Vice Mayor Love Baronda, during her campaign in April 2025, promised a salary hike for job-hire employees and “libre sakay” or free rides for city students. One year later, no program has been rolled out on either pledge.
The issue was compounded by questions surrounding her elder sister, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Jamjam Baronda. One of the congresswoman’s flood mitigation projects in Buhang, Jaro was publicly called “delayed at palpak” by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The project became part of a nationwide scandal over unfinished flood control projects that allegedly wasted billions in taxpayers’ money. President Marcos personally inspected the project in Iloilo on August 13, 2025.
Treñas Camp Delivers
While one sibling’s promises remain pending, the Treñas siblings have moved to address the same concerns. In her first day of office, Mayor Raisa Treñas approved a P130 daily salary increase for job-hire employees effective July 1, 2025. “As a mom myself, I want our employees to be healthy for their kids. This increase will enable them to pay for their PhilHealth contribution and help them prioritize their health,” Mayor Raisa said.
She credited former Mayor Jerry Treñas for “good financial management” that made the funding possible despite budget constraints.
On July 10, 2025, City Hall spokesperson Joy Gorzal confirmed that the city is also studying the regularization of job-hires with 10 years of service. “Those who have been in city government for 10 years are being studied to be regularized despite budgetary limitations and legal concerns,” Gorzal said.
For “libre sakay”, it was Councilor Miguel Treñas who stepped in. Although he did not make it a campaign promise, he has been conducting free rides occasionally and personally joining passengers.
On June 8, 2026, during the opening of classes, the young and amiable councilor offered “libre sakay” and personally rode public transport to commune with passengers, especially students. His latest initiative was on August 13, 2026, covering two routes: Villa – City Proper via Calumpang and Ungka Terminal – City Proper via CPU.
The program is open to all sectors and aims to help students save on allowance, seniors with transactions, and employees going to work.
Public Reaction
With a year gone into their terms and families feeling the pinch of rising costs, netizens have been asking Vice Mayor Baronda about her unfulfilled campaign promises on the salary hike for job-hires and “libre sakay.” The questions gained more traction as the Treñas siblings deliver similar programs without prior commitment. As of press time, the Baronda camp has yet to issue a formal response.
