So timely did former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog make a homecoming on his birthday to have a reason to celebrate with his former constituents and power backup when he was the city dad. This is the talk of the town in the City of Love, as many were surprised that the grandstand in Iloilo was filled with thousands of well-wishers in his official red-color political tone.
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The former mayor had several years of asylum when he was tagged by former Philippine President Rody Duterte for being involved in the illegal drug trade as a protector of those in the syndicate. Opposite opinions have it on the man, as many believed he was not, while others believe he was. Afraid of his life, he had no choice but to get lost out of the picture, afraid of Digong’s attack on the enemy of the illegal drug trade.
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Now that the red color is now painting the Iloilo streets, suspicions have it that Jed is back for a comeback as he is missed by thousands of his followers. It is said that he was much welcomed by Congresswoman Jam Jam Baronda, who has now separated from the incumbent Mayor Jerry Treñas, who is putting in her daughter Raisa to run as congresswoman next year. Nothing can be sure of Jed’s intent on his homecoming, but coffee talkers say he is surely to be persuaded by Congressman Jam Jam to run as a challenge to the incumbent. All these are speculations and anything can happen as the world is truly round.
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Jed is defending himself to the government because he was not in any way involved in the illegal drug trade and seems to be putting pressure on the Duterte circle as a blame. No matter what, everything seems to be a speculation of what is really to come.
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Will Jed’s arrival be a threat to Mayor Jerry’s final term? Many are asking. But the performance of JPT is indeed impressive and many believe the man is doing his job as their city dad. The economy, tourism, infrastructure, and cleanliness are among what make the Ilonggos and even visitors get impressed with the City of Love. The city has achieved tremendous achievements in these angles and many would like to have Mayor Jerry continue his impressive performance.
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A big challenge to Jam Jam is Jerry’s girl, Raisa, who seems to have the charisma of the Ilonggos. Of course, many understand that JPT would not want his name tarnished or deleted from the political scene in Iloilo. He finds Raisa his best option to carry his branding. He seems happier now that Raisa is moving on and rising high. Many are waiting for what will happen when the first week of October comes into the picture as candidates file their intent to sit in the power chairs of the government.
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Mayor Jerry remains to be the idol of the Ilonggos for his extraordinary good governance. It can be recalled that only a few city leaders have performed sincere good governance in this country — the likes of Digong Duterte, Sara Duterte, Puerto Palawan’s Hagedorn, Marikina’s Bayani Fernando, and Marides Fernando Tommy Osmena, as our brain can recall. Let’s wait for October then./WDJ