Iloilo City Councilor Jose Maria Dela Llana has filed a complaint with Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. against Iloilo Province Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) head Nereo Lujan over his alleged social media posts critical of the city government.
Dela Llana personally submitted the complaint letter to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, where it was received by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
In his complaint, Dela Llana accused Lujan of repeatedly posting what he described as “fake news” against the Iloilo City Government and its officials without basis.
The councilor also questioned Lujan’s alleged social media activity during office hours, saying the conduct was unbecoming of a government information officer.
Attached to the complaint were screenshots and other materials showing Facebook posts allegedly made by Lujan criticizing the Iloilo City Government, including Mayor Raisa Treñas and city councilors.
Dela Llana confirmed that one of the attachments was a Sept. 22, 2025 Facebook post in which Lujan referred to Treñas using a profane term while commenting on the timing of a class suspension announcement.
The councilor also defended his decision to respond to Lujan’s posts, saying he is an elected city councilor and part of the city government.
“Natural ako ma-react kay konsehal ako sang syudad,” he said, adding that he was elected by city residents and therefore responds to posts concerning the city government.
Dela Llana said he respects Lujan and considers him an idol but maintained that criticism should be made within the bounds of professional conduct expected of government employees.
The councilor said he initially brought the matter to Defensor out of respect for the governor and would consider other administrative remedies if the alleged conduct continues.
Banias received the complaint but Dela Llana said he did not want to preempt Defensor on what action the governor may take.
Meanwhile, Marivic Mabilog, wife of Usec. Jed Patrick Mabilog, defended Lujan in a Facebook post.
Mabilog said that if Lujan was making the posts during non-office hours, breaks and in his personal capacity as a citizen, she saw no issue with it. She also described Lujan as someone who has the courage to speak to those in power.
Dela Llana said in a radio interview that one of the matters included in his complaint involved a video posted by Lujan showing him with City Councilors Rex Marcus Sarabia and Miguel Treñas during office hours.
The complaint is now before the provincial government for appropriate action.IMT
