ILOILO CITY – Reelectionist Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province has abandoned the ruling PDP-LABAN and has joined the National Unity Party (NUP).
Defensor, who used to be the Iloilo provincial chair of PDP-Laban, explained that he left to be able to ally with Uswag Ilonggo Party, a regional party established by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“I am a member of Uswag Ilonggo, a regional party which started in Iloilo City. It was started by ,” said Defensor as Uswag Ilonggo is a party-list seeking a seat at the Lower House.
Defensor also announced that he will be the regional chairperson of the Uswag Ilonggo, which has an alliance with the NUP.
They have alliances with other local officials in the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Guimaras.
The governor assured that in the local level, he will let the mayors decide whether to stay with the PDP-Laban or join NUP.
Defensor earlier also announced there will be status quo for most key positions for the May 2022 elections and will not field candidates.
Defensor formed an alliance with incumbent Vice Governor Christine “Tingting” Garin of the Nacionalista Party (NP).