ILOILO CITY — The renewed absence of Mayor Jerry Treñas has prompted the Iloilo City Hall to explain the status of his health.
Treñas (Arnold Almacen/CMO)
“Mayor Jerry Treñas is currently in Manila for his semi-annual general checkup,” said the mayor’s spokesperson Joy Fantilaga in a statement released on Wednesday, October 2.
“While waiting for results he is also preparing for the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy, which is scheduled for next week,” added Fantilaga.
The mayor's status went public on Monday, October 1, when the Iloilo media did not directly get answers on reports that Treñas was allegedly hospitalized at Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Manila.
There were also questions on the whereabouts of the 67-year-old Treñas and who is governing the city in the absence of the mayor.
Instead of directly answering, Fantilaga released a copy of an order dated September 27, 2024 that orders the assumption of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon as acting mayor.
The memorandum was signed by City Administrator Melchor Tan.
“In his brief absence, he has full confidence in the ability of Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon to continue taking care of the needs of the Ilonggos and the city,” said Fantilaga.
This was the latest in almost a year that the health status of Treñas was questioned as he incurred long absences as mayor.
Treñas was not seen at City Hall for almost two weeks last August.
When he returned by the first week of September, Treñas said he only had a minor health issue and had sinus surgery.
Last December, Treñas underwent angioplasty, a procedure that opens the clogged arteries of the heart.
During his stint as city mayor from 2001 to 2010, Treñas publicly disclosed he is diabetic.