Following the dismissal of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who has been out of the country since the end of August, and with Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III assuming full mayoral powers over the city, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. denied he had intentions of seeking the position in 2019.

“Indi ako iya interesado mag mayor sang ciudad (I am not interested in becoming city mayor),” he affirmed.

Espinosa is expected to seek a full term as mayor in the next elections; along with word former Iloilo City Councilor Ramon Cua Locsin is being fielded by the local Chinese community.

Meanwhile, Defensor said he plans on retiring after this term, with hopes his son, incumbent Iloilo third district Rep. Arthur Defensor, Jr. succeeds him./WDJ