FORMER Mayor Jerry Trenas and daughter Mayor Raisa Trenas-Chu
ILOILO CITY -- Former Mayor Jerry Treñas still had a role at Iloilo City Hall when he was appointed as special adviser by his daughter Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu on the day he left office.
The former mayor’s appointment was the fourth executive order signed by his daughter when she officially assumed office on Monday, June 30.
In Executive Order No. 4, Series of 2025, Treñas-Chu said that the expertise of her father “is invaluable in helping the city government address the concerns of its citizens and ensure that the general welfare of the city is provided for.
Treñas defended his daughter’s decision to appoint him.
“I have always believed in the importance of continuity and institutional strength in governance. I fully respect the Executive Order issued by Mayor Raisa Treñas designating me as Special Adviser to the Iloilo City Government,” said Treñas in a statement on Tuesday, July 1.
“I will only give advice when I’m asked. I will remain silent when I am not. My daughter, Mayor Raisa Treñas, is strong-willed, independent-minded, and fully capable of making her own decisions,” added Treñas, who was also elected as congressman and councilor.
Treñas announced last March 2024 that his daughter will replace Rep. Julienne “Jam Jam” Baronda as Iloilo City representative.
But when his daughter’s ratings were low in the survey as congressional candidate, Treñas decided not to run for a third term as mayor. Instead, he chose his daughter to replace him.
During the last quarter of last year, Treñas faced medical issues when he underwent duct bile surgery.
Treñas-Chu never held an elective office prior to her election last May.
The only government experience Treñas-Chu had was when she served as her father's executive assistant.