ILOILO CITY – Women bagged key posts in the province and city of Iloilo in the May elections.
DEBUQUE, Garin, Gorriceta, Tupas, Jam-Jam Baronda, Love-Love Baronda, and Treñas.
Mayor Nathalie “Lee Ann” Debuque of Anilao town defeated fifth district Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas for vice governor. Debuque garnered 547,462 votes while Rep. Tupas had 500,863.
Debuque was initially not seen as a strong contender against Tupas, a former vice governor and mayor.
Former Health Secretary and first district Rep. Janette Loreto-Garin was reelected and had an overwhelming lead against an independent candidate.
Newcomer Dr. Kathryn Joyce Fermin-Gorriceta won the congressional race in the second district. She was victorious in her first attempt for public office and will succeed husband, outgoing Rep. Michael “Mike” Gorriceta.
Incumbent Iloilo Provincial Board Member Binky Montesclaros-Tupas won the congressional race in the fifth district against brother-in-law, Niel “Junjun” Tupas Jr. She will succeed her husband, Rep. Tupas, as his third and final term ends.
In Iloilo City, lone district Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda was reelected.
Rep. Baronda’s sister, former Councilor Lady Julie Grace “Love-Love” Baronda, defeated incumbent Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
Iloilo City will have a lady mayor in Raisa Treñas-Chu, daughter of incumbent Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Several towns in Iloilo province will have or continue to have women mayors.
Reelected were Mayors Jennifer Garin-Colada of Guimbal, Maria Lina Holipas of Leon, Maria Jofel Soldevilla of Zarraga, Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, and Elvira Alarcon of Batad.
Also elected mayors were Loida Espinosa of Ajuy, Maria Angelica Bianca Requinto of Estancia, and Sally Lopez of San Dionisio.