House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

Waray political leaders have united to express their support for President Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez amid Vice President Sara Duterte's recent controversial actions and remarks.

The Eastern Visayas officials condemned the lady official's tirades against President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez, and labelled her actions as “reckless, divisive and baseless".

Led by Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Biliran Rep. Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina Jr. and Samar Reps. Reynolds Michael Tan and Stephen James Tan, at least 45 top officials from the region issued a scathing Joint Manifesto of Indignation against the Vice President, and called out her behavior as an insult to the Waray people

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," it read.

Duterte’s criticism of the Speaker--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".

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

PBBM has Waray blood

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, and asserted 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 Romualdez. The Speaker represents the particular district in the House of Representatives.

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 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 also criticized Vice President Duterte’s statements against President Marcos, which they called “inflammatory”. They warned 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.