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Local government

Iloilo City Mayor Defends Vaccine Donation, Faces Criticisms for Politicizing Donation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas has come under fire for allegedly politicizing the donation of COVID-19 vaccines to other local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo province and the small island province of Guimaras. Despite criticisms, Trenas remains steadfast in his decision, citing his desire to help save lives in neighboring municipalities. As the founder of the USWAG Party-list, which is seeking a congressional seat, Trenas's actions have raised eyebrows, particularly with his daughter Raisa as the party-list's second nominee.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas has donated 2,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to other LGUs in Iloilo province and Guimaras province, citing a desire to help save lives.
  • Trenas has faced criticisms for allegedly politicizing the donation, with some accusing him of using the vaccines as a tool to gain support for his USWAG Party-list ahead of the 2022 elections.
  • The mayor has previously downplayed the vaccine donation as a political move, but made contradicting statements, including heeding the request of former health secretary Janette Loreto-Garin for 100 vaccine syringes.
  • Trenas has also accused the national government of not providing enough allocation of COVID-19 vaccines to Iloilo City, despite currently utilizing Moderna and Pfizer vaccines distributed by the government.
  • Incumbent Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province and former governor JC Rahman Nava of Guimaras province have openly stated their support for Trenas's USWAG Party-list.
  • Trenas's daughter Raisa is the second nominee of the USWAG Party-list, which is seeking a congressional seat.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines were donated by Iloilo City to other LGUs in Iloilo province and Guimaras province.
  • 100 vaccine syringes were requested by former health secretary Janette Loreto-Garin, which Trenas agreed to provide.
  • Iloilo City has received Moderna and Pfizer vaccines distributed by the national government.

Sources:

  • Philippines Daily Inquirer
  • Philippine Star
  • Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas's statement regarding the vaccine donation.

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