ILOILO — The 2028 Iloilo elections may still be two years away, but early political maneuvering is already putting names and possible alliances under the spotlight.
Among the combinations being discussed is a possible tandem involving Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor and Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque.
However, there is no confirmed 2028 candidacy or formal agreement between the two.
The speculation comes as Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. approaches the end of his third and final term as Iloilo governor. Recent political discussions have centered on who could succeed him and what role the Defensor family and Debuque could play in the next provincial administration.
Debuque previously ruled out a gubernatorial bid
Adding an important wrinkle to the emerging 2028 scenario, Debuque has publicly rejected speculation that she is preparing to run for governor.
In an interview reported by Iloilo Metropolitan Times, Debuque said she has no plans to seek the governorship, emphasizing that she wants to focus on fulfilling her current mandate and supporting Gov. Defensor during his final term.
Daily Guardian likewise reported that Debuque dismissed rumors that her province-wide activities were preparation for a 2028 gubernatorial campaign. She said her visits and engagements were part of her responsibilities as vice governor and her effort to repay the trust of Ilonggo voters.
That makes any discussion of a Defensor–Debuque 2028 combination political speculation at this stage, rather than an announced electoral plan.
Why their names are being linked
The connection is not entirely surprising.
Debuque became Gov. Defensor’s running mate in the 2025 elections after he personally selected her as his vice-gubernatorial partner. The tandem ran under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and won the provincial posts.
Debuque subsequently won the vice-governorship with 547,462 votes, or 51.95% of the vote, according to the Iloilo Provincial Government. She defeated former Vice Gov. Raul “Boboy” Tupas.
The 2025 result gave Debuque a strong provincial mandate and elevated her profile beyond her previous political base in Anilao.
Meanwhile, Lorenz Defensor remains the representative of Iloilo’s 3rd District. His current congressional term ends in 2028, fueling speculation that he could seek the provincial governorship after his brother completes his final term.
A possible political crossroads in 2028
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has also acknowledged that he could return to Congress after leaving the provincial capitol, particularly with the Iloilo 3rd District congressional seat expected to open when his brother’s term ends.
At the same time, the governor has indicated that Lorenz Defensor is likely to consider the governorship.
That creates a potentially significant political reshuffling in Iloilo ahead of 2028.
But whether Debuque would actually join a Defensor-led provincial ticket remains unanswered.
Another possibility is that Debuque and Lorenz Defensor could eventually seek separate positions—or remain political allies without sharing a ticket.
Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. has even downplayed the possibility of a Defensor-Debuque rivalry, saying the two could complement each other rather than compete. Debuque herself has also pushed back against the idea of an impending political confrontation.
From running mates to potential 2028 kingmakers?
The political significance of Debuque’s rise cannot be ignored.
In 2025, she entered provincial politics as a relative newcomer after serving three terms as mayor of Anilao. She then defeated a veteran provincial politician in the vice-gubernatorial race, demonstrating considerable electoral strength outside her hometown.
Her victory also showed the strength of the alliance supporting the Defensor-Debuque tandem during the 2025 campaign.
For now, however, the biggest takeaway is this:
The 2028 Iloilo political map is being discussed, but it is far from finalized.
Lorenz Defensor is being widely discussed as a possible gubernatorial contender. Debuque’s name continues to surface in succession scenarios despite her public denial of plans to seek the governorship.
And with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s final term approaching its end, the political alliances built during the 2025 elections could become increasingly important.
The question now is not simply who will run in 2028—but whether today’s allies will remain on the same side when the next provincial race officially begins.
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