Former mayor Jose Espinosa III and City Hall spokesperson Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal are top earners among the 18 executive assistants (EAs) serving under Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, with a monthly salary of ₱98,185 each.

Espinosa, who once held the post of special adviser to the city government during the term of former mayor Jerry Treñas without compensation, is now back in City Hall with a formal appointment as Executive Assistant V. His return to the bureaucracy comes under his niece, Raisa, who assumed office earlier this year.

Fantilaga-Gorzal, also designated as Executive Assistant V, holds an equally strategic role. She manages the mayor’s communications as official spokesperson, shaping the public image of the Treñas administration while handling policy messaging and media relations.

A roster of familiar names

The latest list of executive assistants shows a mix of political veterans and seasoned government workers. It includes former barangay captains, ex-councilors, retired police officials, and past department heads now reassigned to lead city programs.

EAs with the rank of Executive Assistant IV are paid between ₱78,162 and ₱80,411 monthly, while those in lower classifications receive between ₱37,000 and ₱64,000.

Among them are notable figures like former councilors Ely Estante Jr. and Candice Tupas, and former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) regional manager Eleanor Gregorio.

Fewer than before

The current number of executive assistants under Raisa is fewer compared to the roster during the term of her father, Jerry Treñas.

According to City Hall records, some posts were either not renewed or converted into Contract of Service (COS) appointments.

Trusted allies, sensitive roles

Observers note that the appointments reflect Raisa’s reliance on trusted allies and experienced administrators in handling sensitive portfolios, including sports development, senior citizens’ welfare, disaster response, and values formation.

But with Espinosa and Fantilaga-Gorzal topping the pay scale, public scrutiny over salaries and performance is expected to grow, particularly as the city continues to navigate pressing issues in infrastructure, flood control, and public services.IMT