BAYBAY CITY, Leyte--The Petilla poltican clan here, who used to be an ally of the previous Aquino administration, are going all-out for the Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte UniTeam tandem.
Governor Leopoldo Dominico "Mic" Petilla officially announced the clan's backing of UniTeam during a rally at the grounds of the Baybay City Convention Center here that was attended by presidential bet and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Marcos.
Incumbent Governor Petilla was joined by his brother, Carlos Jericho Petilla, who is vying for the gubernatorial seat under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
The other half of the UniTeam tandem, Davao City Mayor Duterte, was not present at the event.
The rally was preceded by the UniTeam ticket's meeting with the Petillas and other local officials and leaders of Leyte, also at the Baybay City Convention Center.
Governor Petilla welcomed to his province the visiting UniTeam candidates, which included senatorial candidates Migz Zubiri, Win Gatchalian, Larry Gadon, Herbert Bautista, and Robin Padilla.
“It is my honor to welcome ang ating mga bisita ngayon (our visitors here) headed by no less than ang ating (our) President Bongbong Marcos. Sir, welcome,” Governor Petilla said in front of a big crowd that braved the rain and bad weather to attend the UniTeam rally.
“It is a big honor na tanggapin dito sa province of Leyte, isang taga-Leyte, walang iba kundi taga-Leyte din ito (for us to receive here in Leyte, a Leyte native, nobody else but someone from here also).
"Sino pa ang magtataguyod ng pag-unlad ng ating probinsya, ng ating siyudad, walang iba kung hindi isang taga-Leyte din. Suportahan natin at siyempre huwag din nating kalimutan ang ating vice president, dugong Leyte din 'yun. Taga dito din 'yan sa Leyte, si Inday Sara Duterte (Who else would pursue progress in our province, in our city, no one else but a Leyte native too. Let's support him and of course let's also not forget about our vice president, whose blood is also that of a Leyte native. Inday Sara Duterte is also from Leyte),” he said.