CinemaBravo

Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda has drawn flak from Mayor Jerry Trenas for breaking what he said was a prior agreement with House Speaker Martin Romualdez by publicly backing a rival candidate for mayor in the 2025 elections.

Speaking to reporters, Trenas reacted strongly to Baronda’s camp—Team Sulong Gugma—openly endorsing Rolando Magahin for mayor. Magahin is challenging Trenas’ daughter, Raisa, in the upcoming local race.

Trenas said the endorsement of Magahin came despite an earlier understanding involving Romualdez, Baronda, and himself.

“I have personally seen tarpaulins confirming this, and aside from these materials, Mr. Magahin was also seen and heard being interviewed by partymates of Team Sulong Gugma,” Trenas said.

“This is a blatant violation of the agreement we made, an agreement reached together with Speaker Martin Romualdez and our higher authorities in the national leadership,” he added.

The Mayor assured that he will file the necessary complaint before Romualdez after the elections. The House Speaker arranged a compromise between the camps of Trenas and Baronda not to challenge their respective bids for the mayoral or congressional posts.

However, a quick scan of social media posts revealed that Team Sulong Gugma is actively backing Magahin’s candidacy. Magahin’s photos making a finger heart gesture associated with Sulong Gugma are also making rounds on social media.

Digital posters from Magahin’s supporters are also visible online, where they link his name to the Team Sulong Gugma slate.

Baronda also signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.