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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Baronda hits councilor's misogynistic statement vs her

Baronda hits councilor's misogynistic statement vs her

Published Mar 12, 2026 04:40 pm
SARABIA and Baronda
SARABIA and Baronda
ILOILO CITY—Vice Mayor Lady Grace “Love-Love” Baronda of this city denounced an alleged misogynistic statement made against her by Councilor Rex Sarabia.
“Disagreements in governance are normal in a democracy. But language that demeans public service, belittles leadership, or perpetuates misogynistic stereotypes is unacceptable and unbecoming of anyone in public life,” said Baronda in a statement on Thursday, March 12.
Baronda’s reaction stemmed from Sarabia’s statement on Wednesday, March 11, referring to her as “princess politics” during an interview with the media.
“It reflects a mindset that seeks to undermine the leadership of women in public service by reducing competence, dedication, and achievement to a gendered stereotype. This type of language is unacceptable in a society that values equality, fairness, and capable leadership,” added Baronda.
Sarabia made the princess politics comment following Baronda’s commendation from three separate legislative bodies in Western Visayas for her election as the first Visayan and first woman National Chairperson of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL).
He reiterated that Baronda’s election as NMYL chairperson is not of public interest.
Sarabia was also against commending Baronda on a proposal by City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog recently.
The Iloilo City Council did not pass a resolution commending Baronda but she was feted by the Iloilo Provincial Board, the Antique Provincial Board, and the Municipal Council of Pavia in Iloilo province for her election.
“The resolutions passed by several legislative councils were acts of courtesy extended to a fellow public official. While I value their commendation, it should never be distorted or misrepresented as self-promotion or entitlement,” Baronda said.
Sarabia is part of the majority bloc of the Iloilo City Council allied with incumbent Mayor Raisa Treñas and her father former Mayor Jerry Treñas, who cut their political alliance with the Barondas in 2024.
Sarabia has repeatedly clashed with Baronda and Mabilog during city council sessions.

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Iloilo City Vice Mayor Lady Grace Baronda Councilor Rex Sarabia
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