ILOILO CITY – Despite the executive order banning political color in the Dinagyang Festival, politicians were special guests of Mayor Jerry Treñas of this city.
ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas with guests of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival on Sunday, Jan. 26 – Chel Diokno of Akbayan party-list, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and Iloilo City mayoral candidate Raisa Treñas-Chu. (Mayor Jerry Treñas FB)
“It is with great pride and joy that I acknowledge the presence of our esteemed guests who have joined us in celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Dinagyang Festival,” said Treñas on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Among those acknowledged by the mayor were Senators Imee Marcos, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Risa Hontiveros.
The mayor also acknowledged senatorial candidates former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.
Also seen were Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin, and Akbayan party-list bet Chel Diokno.
Treñas stated in Executive Order No. 167 that “there will be no political colors,” especially with the upcoming May 2025 elections.
He also said that Dinagyang – a festival honoring the Santo Niño – “should never serve as a platform for political campaigns as doing so would defeat the purpose of this sacred celebration.”