TACLOBAN CITY — Mayors from Leyte’s first district have pledged their unwavering support for House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, strongly denouncing recent allegations against him by Vice President Sara Duterte.In a two-page manifesto released on Wednesday,Nov.27, the local leaders commended Speaker Romualdez for his integrity, exemplary leadership, and commitment to public service. Representing the first district of Leyte, Romualdez was described as a public servant who has served his constituents “with honor and distinction, unblemished by allegations of corruption or violence.”
The mayors condemned the accusations as “baseless and malicious,” labeling them an affront to the trust and mandate that the people of Leyte have given to Romualdez. “These accusations are a direct insult to the citizens whose trust he has honorably upheld,” the manifesto stated.
The signatories included Mayors Lovell Ann Yu-Castro of Alangalang, Norman Sabdao of San Miguel, Gina Merilo of Tanauan, Erwin Ocaña of Tolosa, Amparo Monteza of Sta. Fe, Eleonor Lugnasin of Babatngon, and Remedios Petilla of Palo, who also serves as the president of the League of Mayors in Leyte.
“We presented to House Speaker Martin Romualdez a manifesto of all the mayors in the first district expressing our full support for him, the President, and the First Lady. We encourage everyone to rally behind our country’s leaders because they are doing their best for the nation,” Petilla said during a media interview. She also criticized Vice President Duterte’s recent remarks, calling them inappropriate and divisive.
Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the mayors highlighted his role in passing critical legislation, mobilizing resources, and prioritizing the welfare of Filipinos. “He has carried out his responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the greater good of the nation,” the statement emphasized.
The manifesto also rejected inflammatory statements made against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., describing them as divisive and harmful to national unity.
In a direct message to Vice President Duterte, the mayors urged her to abandon “the path of division and hostility,” calling it a betrayal of the trust the Filipino people have placed in her.
The group called on all Filipinos to stand against politically motivated attacks and to support leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to nation-building. “Let us reject malicious rhetoric and reaffirm our commitment to a unified, progressive, and peaceful Philippines,” the mayors concluded.
(JOEY A.GABIETA)
