ILOILO CITY – Former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog here announced on Tuesday, October 8, that he is s not running to regain his old seat that he left in 2017 amid fear from then President Rodrigo Duterte over his alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade.

FORMER Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog announces that he will not run in the May 2025 elections on Tuesday, October 8. (Tara Yap)
“Luyag ko guid tani pero may palabra de honor ako (I really wanted, but I have my word of honor),” said Mabilog in a rally at the University of San Agustin on Tuesday, the last day of filing for Certificates of Candidacy.
His return to the country and this city was widely seen as a message to the camp of Mayor Jerry Treñas who admitted he is threatened if he runs for mayor.
Mabilog said he was being pushed to run by various sectors to bring change to City Hall marred by controversies since his return here on September 20.
The former mayor endorsed the slate of Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda.
Mabilog is facing legal challenge over the perpetual disqualification order by the Ombudsman and a graft case elevated to the Sandiganbayan.
The Ombudsman sacked Mabilog in 2018 and ordered his perpetual disqualification for a towing contract in 2015 that allegedly did not undergo public bidding.
Based on the Local Government Code, Mabilog must obtain an executive clemency from the sitting president before he can run for an elective post.