E. Visayas lawmakers, 45 top local execs blast VP Duterte’s ‘reckless, divisive actions’

LEADERS of Eastern Visayas have united in condemning Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent tirades against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, labeling her actions as “reckless, divisive and baseless.” 

Lead by Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Biliran Rep. Gerardo “Gerryboy” J. Espina Jr. and Samar Reps. Reynolds Michael Tan and Stephen James Tan, at least 45 top Eastern Visayas officials issued a scathing Joint Manifesto of Indignation, calling out Duterte’s behavior as an insult to both the Waray people and their leaders.

The statement, signed by key provincial, city and municipal officials of Eastern Visayas, begins with a direct denunciation: “We, the undersigned local government leaders of Eastern Visayas, express our profound indignation at the malicious, baseless and reckless accusations made by Vice President Sara Duterte against Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.” 

Duterte’s criticism of Speaker Romualdez, a prominent Waray leader, and cousin to President Marcos, came amid her public feud with Congress over its investigation of the alleged misuse and abuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd).

The manifesto asserts that these “unwarranted attacks are an affront not only to a leader of impeccable integrity but also to the pride and dignity of the Waray people – whose values of resilience, hard work and honor are personified by Speaker Romualdez.” 

They highlighted the Speaker’s long history of public service, noting that he has “delivered real and lasting improvements to the lives of Filipinos” and remains committed to uplifting the country’s most vulnerable sectors.

The leaders further criticized Duterte for disrespecting not just Romualdez but also the legacy of President Marcos, who has Waray blood.

“Vice President Duterte’s unfounded allegations also insult the Romualdez legacy, which extends to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., who shares Waray blood through his mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos,” the statement read. 

It underscores the historical and familial ties that bind the President to Eastern Visayas.

“Her reckless tirades strike at the very heart of a region that has overcome countless challenges through hard work, solidarity and trust in capable leadership,” the statement added. 

The leaders emphasized their pride in the accomplishments of both Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos, asserting that their leadership has brought meaningful progress to the nation.

Duterte’s actions, according to the leaders, go beyond personal attacks. 

“Her irresponsible statements not only destabilize the unity of the administration but also erode the trust of the Filipino people at a time when cooperation and stability are paramount,” the manifesto said. 

All seven mayors of the municipalities comprising the first legislative district of Leyte province have come out in strong defense of Speaker Romualdez, denouncing Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations of political intimidation as “baseless and malicious.”

In a manifesto, the mayors of Palo, Alangalang, San Miguel, Tanauan, Sta. Fe, Tolosa and Babatngon described the allegations as an affront not only to Speaker Romualdez but also to the people of the first district of Leyte.

“We, the undersigned mayors of the First District of Leyte, stand in staunch defense of Leyte First District Representative and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, a leader whose integrity and dedication to public service have been consistently proven throughout his exemplary political career,” the manifesto declared.

“Representing the First District of Leyte, Speaker Romualdez has served his constituents with honor and distinction, unblemished by allegations of corruption or violence, and always placing the welfare of the people above personal interest,” it added.

The manifesto was signed by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, president of the Leyte Chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, along with Mayors Lovell Anne Yu-Castro of Alangalang, Norman Sabdao of San Miguel, Gina Merilo of Tanauan, Amparo Monteza of Sta. Fe, Erwin Ocana of Tolosa and Eleonor Lugnasin of Babatngon.

The mayors rejected Duterte’s claims as “not only unfounded but also an affront to the people of the First District of Leyte, who have chosen him time and again to be their voice and advocate.”

“These accusations are a direct insult to the very citizens whose trust and mandate he has honorably upheld,” the manifesto stated.

The manifesto underscored Romualdez’s achievements, including his leadership in passing critical legislation and effectively mobilizing resources for his constituents and the nation. 

“Speaker Romualdez’s record speaks louder than these reckless accusations. Under his leadership, critical legislation has been passed, resources have been effectively mobilized, and the welfare of Filipinos has been prioritized,” the mayors said.

They further praised the Speaker’s commitment to public service, describing his work as marked by “diligence, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the greater good of the nation.”

The mayors also criticized Vice President Duterte’s statements against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., calling them “inflammatory” and warning that such rhetoric undermines the country’s unity and stability.

“We likewise categorically reject the statements made against President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. These inflammatory remarks and divisive rhetoric not only undermine the unity we are striving to achieve as a nation but also betray the constitutional duty and trust bestowed upon all public officials,” they asserted.

For Biliran, signatories include Board Member Roselyn Espina Parabos and Mayors Rhodessa Revita (Caibiran), Humphrey Olimba (Culaba), Gemma Adobo (Cabucgayan), Myra Cabrales (Biliran) and Richard Jaguros (Almeria). 

Calubian Mayor Marciano Battancela Jr. and Villaba Mayor Lito Veloso from Leyte also signed the manifesto.

For Northern Samar, the following mayors signed: Maria Ana Abalon (San Roque), Leo Jarito (Silvino Lobos), Felipe Sosing (Pambujan), Florence Batula (Palapag), Maria Luisa Menzon, (Lapinig), and Raquel Capoquian (Gamay).

For Samar, the following mayors signed the manifesto: Raymund Uy (Calbayog City), Marinell Apolonio (Sto. Niño), Danny Tan (Tarangnan), Sed Tan (Pagsanghan), Leo De Guia (San Jorge), Amy Cano (Almagro), Aran Boller (Matuginao), Vicente Limpiado (Tagapul-An), Warren Aguilar (Gandara), Felix Ranganoron (Sta. Margarita), Luz Ponferrada (Basey), Myrna Tan (Zumarraga), Red Nacario (Calbiga), Ferdinand Gaviola (San Sebastian), Eunice Babalcon (Paranas), Renato Cabael (Motiong), Philip Astorga (Daram), Julie Cereno (Jiabong), Clarito Rosal (Hinabangan) and Percival Ortillo Jr. (Marabut).

They all described Duterte’s statements as “malicious” and “unfounded.” They called her accusations a “direct affront to the Waray people, who have long stood as a pillar of unity and progress in our nation.”

“Eastern Visayas will not stand idly by as its leaders and its people are disrespected,” it asserted.

The statement also directly challenges Duterte to refocus her priorities. 

“We call on Vice President Duterte to cease these baseless accusations and instead focus on the responsibilities entrusted to her by the Filipino people,” the manifesto said. It emphasizes that her actions “have no place in a nation striving for unity and progress.”

As one of the administration’s key allies, Speaker Romualdez has been instrumental in advancing President Marcos’ legislative agenda. The leaders commended his “unblemished record and commitment to public service,” which they say exemplifies the values of honesty, accountability and genuine concern for the Filipino people.

“Eastern Visayas stands united behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. Their leadership is a source of pride for the Waray people and a symbol of hope for the entire nation.”