TACLOBAN CITY – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday lodged his bid for re-election, filing his certificate of candidacy for the first district of Leyte, supported by a broad alliance of local leaders, signaling a new era of political unity in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez’s filing at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office was notably backed by Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, marking a significant reconciliation between the two families who have historically been political rivals. Romualdez, representing the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats Party, is aiming for a third and final term.
“I filed as a candidate for congressman in the first district of Leyte. I am grateful for the support of our governor, vice governor, and mayors,” Romualdez stated during a press interaction. This election marks the first time Governor Petilla and his allies have supported Romualdez in his candidacy filing, demonstrating a consolidated front.
The event was attended by Vice Governor Leonardo Javier and his wife, Leyte 2nd district Representative Lolita Karen Javier, as well as provincial board members from five legislative districts, and the majority of Leyte’s mayors, led by Remedios Petilla of Palo, the governor’s mother. “We are supporting each other for the development of Leyte, and the Speaker being from Leyte means we are favored. Why go against it when it is beneficial to the people of Leyte?” Governor Petilla commented to reporters.
Romualdez was the first candidate to file his COC at the Comelec provincial office this election season. Earlier in the day, he also supported his son, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jr., who filed his candidacy for Tacloban city councilor. Currently, Romualdez serves his second term as representative of a district that includes Tacloban and nearby towns, reflecting his enduring political influence in the region.