Mayor: Too early to discuss 2019

In response to Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry P. Treñas claiming the administration of Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III was busy with “pangkakas, pang-ipit, and pangkuga (take down, oppress, and strangle),” the mayor said, “Dulodugsing lang na ah (It’s just playing around).”

The criticism is believed to be a precursor for a possible clash between the two city officials in next year’s mayoral race.

The congressman said the mayor conducts the “3Ps” on the weekdays and the “Pag-Ulikid sang Syudad Program,” which provides various medical procedures, including dental and medical services, along with circumcisions, on the weekends.

Last month, the mayor launched the program in Barangay Tanza Baybay in City Proper district and Barangay San Juan in Molo.

With regard to next year’s elections, Espinosa said it is still early.

“The election is still far away,” he stated. “Discussing politics this early will be divisive.”

“We will talk about politics when it is time,” the mayor added.

Meanwhile, it is speculated Treñas is planning to swap positions in 2019, with the congressman running for mayor and Espinosa seeking a congressional seat. Reportedly, the congressman earlier made an offer to the mayor to run on the same slate, however, Espinosa supposedly has yet to respond./WDJ