Mayor’s Warning Ignored: Dinagyang Festival Car Passes Embroiled in Political Controversy

This goes squarely against the executive order issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas not to politicize the festival

Iloilo City Mayor’s Abrupt U-turn on Political Campaigning

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Jerry Treñas issued a stern warning that the Dinagyang Festival should be free from political campaigns, only to find himself in a political controversy. A campaign tagline associated with mayoral candidate Raisa Treñas-Chu, the daughter of the city mayor, was printed on the regular car passes distributed for the Dinagyang Festival.

The car pass, used for entry to the city proper, showed logos of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, the Iloilo City government, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated, and Raisa’s “Rais and Shine” campaign logo.

The car passes were distributed by the city government, raising concerns that public funds may have been used to cover the printing costs.

Contrast with VIP Car Passes

In contrast, the car passes distributed for the VIPs bore the logo of “Rise Iloilo City,” a campaign launched by the city government in February 2024 as part of its strategic roadmap for progress and development.

Raisa’s campaign materials and social media posts have prominently featured slogans such as “Rais and Shine,” “Raisa Cares,” “RISE Iloilo,” and “Uswag Iloilo.”

The official Facebook page of the city mayor has also frequently used these phrases, while the city government has only used the tagline once, in a dance competition “presented” by Raisa Treñas in August 2024.

Election Campaigns Banned

In December 2024, Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 167, which explicitly prohibits political slogans, propaganda materials, and anti-government slogans during the festival.

Under the EO, the Iloilo City Police Office is also directed to “ensure that there will be no political colors” during the activities of the festival.

“Persons found to have violated this EO shall be subjected to the necessary disciplinary proceedings as provided for by law,” it read.

In a statement on January 9, Treñas reiterated that the festival should remain apolitical.

“The Dinagyang Festival is a celebration rooted in faith and devotion. It should never serve as a platform for political campaigns, as doing so would defeat the purpose of this sacred celebration,” he said.

Promotion of City Initiatives

Treñas on Friday, January 24, defended the “Rais and Shine” logo in the regular car pass, claiming it was part of the city government’s efforts to promote its city-wide programs and advocacies.

“The logo represents one of the city’s initiatives aimed at uplifting the spirit of the Ilonggos and promoting progress and positivity across our city,” he said.

The city mayor also disclosed that he did not immediately notice the “Rais and Shine” logo as he had been ill.

He further explained that it is no longer possible to recall the distributed car passes since they had already been handed out and printing of such has already concluded.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Panay’s Reaction

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay has denounced the city government’s action for politicizing the festival despite Treñas’s directive to keep politics out of it.

“You can’t fool us. BAYAN Panay sees this as an insult to the intelligence of the people, pointing out that the tagline ‘Rais and Shine’ clearly refers to the mayor’s daughter, Raisa (Rais~Rise) Treñas-Chu, who is running for city mayor,” the group said.

They accused the city mayor of violating his own EO and abusing his authority by allegedly using government resources.

“This political move by the mayor betrays the people’s trust and highlights the misuse of power to serve his personal and family interests,” the group added.

Conclusion

The incident raises significant questions about the integrity of the city government and the misuse of public funds. Mayor Treñas’s warning against political campaigns during the Dinagyang Festival appears to have been disregarded, leading to controversy and public outcry.

As the election season heats up, it is crucial that political activities do not overshadow the cultural significance of the festival. Citizens and stakeholders look forward to a transparent and accountable government that adheres to its own rules.

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