ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. of Iloilo has joined the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

ILOILO Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. (right) with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after his oath-taking as member of the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). (League of Provinces of the Philippines)
Defensor was the only local chief executive from Western Visayas region who joined the oath-taking ceremony presided over by Marcos in Malacañang on Thursday, August 24.
“This improves the alignment of the (Iloilo) provincial government on the national level,” said Defensor.
The governor bolted the National Unity Party (NUP) where he ran during his reelection last year.
Defensor did not campaign for Marcos as he was among the top Ilonggo officials who backed the presidential bid of former Vice President Leni Robredo.
The Iloilo governor said his membership with PFP can boost developmental programs for the province consisting of 42 towns and the component city of Passi.
Defensor said that the Marcos administration did not turn its back in Iloilo despite politics last year.
“There was no discrimination,” said Defensor.
The President approved the additional P8.4-billion funding needed to finish the construction of the mega dam project in Calinog town that was pushed by former Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon, a Marcos critic.