Iloilo governor, mayor throw support behind Robredo in defiance of NUP's endorsement of BBM
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY -- Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province and Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City expressed their support to presidential candidate Leni Robredo despite the endorsement of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas' standard bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by their very own party, the National Unity Party (NUP).

Both Defensor and Treñas are running for reelection under NUP.
“I have come out and said that I support Vice President Robredo and Senator Kiko ,” Defensor said in a press conference.
“I will be supporting VP Leni not as a member of NUP but in my personal capacity as the party has already made a stand,” Treñas said in a separate statement.
Defensor confirmed to the media that he was present at the March 23 national meeting of the NUP in Metro Manila and that Marcos was there too.
“I am very thankful that the NUP respected our decision in the same manner that they respected the decisions of other members of the party,” the governor said.
For his part, Mayor Treñas said: “I was told that they will respect our stand and I appreciate it very much. I also respect the stand of the party as it supports the candidacy of Marcos.”
Both the governor and the city mayor are confident that a Robredo presidency will bring more benefits to Iloilo as Ilonggos have already been beneficiaries of her programs.
But three key political leaders in Iloilo province are backing Marcos for president. The group is led by former Iloilo 4th District congressman and congressional candidate Ferj Biron, who is also the campaign manager in Iloilo.
Incumbent Congresswoman Janette Loreto Garin of southern Iloilo province and Congressman Raul Tupas of northern Iloilo province are also supporting Marcos.