A TOTAL of 45 high officials in Eastern Visayas collectively condemned Vice President Sara Duterte for her careless and divisive action against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Biliran Rep. Gerardo “Gerryboy” J. Espina Jr., and Samar Reps. Reynolds Michael Tan at Stephen James Tan led the 45 officials in coming out with a Joint Manifesto of Indignation, wherein they stated that Duterte’s action was an insult to the Waray people and their leader.

The statement, which was signed by officials from the province, city and municipality in Eastern Visayas, began with condemnation. “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 denounced Speaker Romualdez, who is a known leader of the Waray and cousin of President Marcos, in connection with the House of Representatives’ investigation into the alleged misuse of the P612.5 million confidential fund of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

According to the manifest, the unreasonable attack would not only ruin the reputation and dignity of the Waray, who are known to be resilient, hardworking, and honorable which are also traits of Speaker Romualdez.

The leaders also know Speaker Romualdez as someone who has long been a public servant and working to improve the lives of the Filipinos and to benefit the vulnerable sector.

The leaders also lambasted Duterte for being disrespectful not only to Speaker Romualdez but even to President Marcos, who also has the blood of a Waray.

“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 said.

“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,” it added.

The leaders also recognized the contribution of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos in bringing meaningful change to the country.

They said Duterte became personal in her 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 the seven mayors of the first district of Leyte defended Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, outrightly denying and saying that Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations were without basis and malicious.

In a manifest, the mayors of Palo, Alangalang, San Miguel, Tanauan, Sta. Fe, Tolosa, and Babatngon said that the accusations made by Duterte were not only attacks toward Speaker Romualdez but for the entire 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 said.

“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.

Among those who signed the manifest were Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, president of the Leyte Chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, 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.

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

The manifesto also made mention of the accomplishments of Romualdez, including his leadership in passing important legislations and effective budgeting of resources for his area and for the country.

“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 also praised the Speaker for his perseverance in serving the country, and recognized his “diligence, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the greater good of the nation.”

The mayors also criticized the statements of Vice President Duterte against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., because it would only worsen the situation and threaten the unity and stability of the country.

“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 said.

The mayors warned that “such conduct is unbecoming of an elected leader and is detrimental to the stability and progress of our country.”

The mayors also advised Vice President Duterte to stop the destruction and focus on fulfilling her work toward unity and accountability.

“To Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, we remind you of your sworn duty to uphold unity and serve with accountability. We urge you to abandon this path of division and hostility, for it is a betrayal of the trust the Filipino people have placed in you,” they said.

From Biliran, the signatories were 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 were also signatories from Leyte.

While from Northern Samar, those who signed were Mayors Maria Ana Abalon (San Roque), Leo Jarito (Silvino Lobos), Felipe Sosing (Pambujan), Florence Batula (Palapag), Maria Luisa Menzon, (Lapinig), and Raquel Capoquian (Gamay).

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