Treñas to prioritize redistricting of Iloilo City
Iloilo City Congressman-elect Mayor Jerry Treñas, who was sworn in yesterday, will push for the redistricting of Iloilo City as one of his priorities as the city’s lone district representative.
The redistricting bill was filed before by outgoing Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., but the proposal was strongly opposed in the Senate on question of population requirement.
The National Census and Statistics Office records show city’s population is more than 412,000 based on the 2007 census. But Treñas then said that with an increasing population count every year, the city could breach the population count requirement of 250,000 for a congressional district.
Also, the three-termer mayor said he would focus on the institutionalization of Metro Iloilo, a partnership composed of Iloilo City and the nearby towns of Oton, Pavia, and Leganes seeking possible areas of cooperation.
At the oath taking ceremony, Treñas expressed his gratitude to those who have helped his candidacy and his group, Team Uswag.
He said he would he serve as congressman both of those who have voted for him and those who did not.
“I am the congressman of the whole Iloilo City,” he said, adding that now that the
election is over, it is time to work as one and leave politics behind.
“Kalimtan na naton ang mga kolor nga ginpang-usar naton. Isa na lang kita nga mga Ilonggo para sa kauswagan sang syudad sang Iloilo (Let’s forget about our political colors. All of us Ilonggos must unite for the progress of Iloilo City,” he told GMA TV-6.
OVERWHELMED, CHALLENGED
Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Jed Patrick Mabilog said he is excited, overwhelmed, and very challenged by the new chapter of his political career.
As the city’s chief executive, Mabilog said he has a big mandate to do everything for the welfare of the people of Iloilo City.
“So much needs to be done,” he said.
Together with Vice Mayor-elect Jose Espinosa III and the members of the Iloilo City Council, Mabilog said that he is ready to face the challenge of governing the city.
His initial priority would be the professionalization of the city government employees.
Mabilog said he would sign as Order No. 1 the return to their mother units of detailed personnel.
He would also seek the review and study of City Hall employees and their designation to determine how they could be more efficient in serving the public.
