Human rights group Bayan Panay is calling on Iloilo City’s top officials to shift their attention from office space disputes to more pressing concerns —particularly the city’s worsening water supply situation.
In an interview with IMT NEWS, Bayan Panay Secretary General Elmer Forro said Mayor Raisa Treñas and Vice Mayor Julie Grace Baronda should focus more on addressing challenges in basic services instead of internal turf wars.
“There are far more urgent problems that demand the city’s attention,” Forro said. “Residents are grappling with water access issues and increasing rates, yet our leaders seem caught in a power struggle over office space.”
Forro raised concerns over the performance of the joint venture managing the city’s water supply, saying it has yet to deliver meaningful service improvements despite adjustments in billing.
“There’s no actual water shortage in Iloilo—we even flood during the rainy season,” he noted. “So people are asking: Why is the water service still unreliable?”
He cited unrepaired water connections and inconsistent supply in several barangays, issues that continue to affect both homes and businesses.
While acknowledging that modest rate increases have been implemented, Forro said their impact is most deeply felt by ordinary families and small livelihood earners who are already dealing with rising living costs.
He stressed that improving access to safe and stable water supply should be among the city government’s top priorities.
The controversy at City Hall began shortly after the new administration took office, when reports emerged that Baronda had been denied an office in the New Legislative Building.
Forro called the incident a “misplaced priority” and urged those involved to put public service ahead of politics.IMT
