Rep. Goma filed bill for such Leyte division
TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla has strongly opposed House Bill 11077, authored by 4th District Representative Richard Gomez, which seeks to split Leyte into two provinces based on linguistic differences between Waray and Bisaya speakers.
Petilla argued that dividing the province lacks economic merit and could hinder development.
“Splitting the province is not developmental; it’s regressive. The size of a province helps manage resources effectively. Instead of dividing Leyte, officials should collaborate to secure more national funding,” the governor said.
He also noted that the province’s development relies more on national projects than local funding and that lawmakers should focus on lobbying for national support rather than altering provincial boundaries.
Board Members Carlo Loreto (5th District) and Kathryn Veloso Kabigting (3rd District) echoed the governor’s sentiments.
Loreto emphasized the financial burden of creating new provincial facilities and personnel, suggesting these funds could be better utilized for pressing challenges.
Kabigting dismissed linguistic diversity as a basis for division, highlighting that language differences reflect the province’s cultural richness, not a hindrance.
Several local government units (LGUs), including Palompon, Isabel, and Burauen, have also passed resolutions opposing the bill.
The resolutions warned that dividing Leyte could increase administrative costs, disrupt unity, and exacerbate resource inequalities.
Burauen, located near the proposed boundary, expressed concerns over governance challenges and jurisdictional conflicts.
This is not the first attempt to divide Leyte.
Former governor Remedios Petilla, now Palo mayor, recalled a similar proposal during her term, which did not prosper.
While Representative Gomez’s proposal has gained attention, it remains subject to a plebiscite under Republic Act 6735, allowing affected residents to decide its fate.
Board Member Vince Rama, Gomez’s brother-in-law, acknowledged the democratic process, stating, “This bill is just a proposal. It will go through the proper procedures and may either be approved or rejected.”
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
