Lead by Gov. Petilla
PALO, Leyte– Leyte officials, led by reelected Governor Carlos Jericho ’Icot’ Petilla, took their oaths of office on Thursday, June 26, during a ceremony held at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte.
Among those sworn in were the province’s 14 newly elected mayors who include Albuera Mayor Kerwin Espinosa, who was notably absent from the event, and Palo Mayor Remedios ‘Matin” Petilla, current present of the Philippines Mayors League, Leyte chapter.
One of the new mayors, Jingle Sudario of Dagami town, emphasized reconciliation and unity as his immediate priority following the heated political season.
“I want to settle things with everyone first so there won’t be any conflicts. You know, there are still lingering differences because of politics,” Sudario said in an interview.
He also expressed gratitude to his constituents for the mandate they gave him, vowing to prioritize programs and services that directly benefit the people of Dagami.
“Delivering the necessary social services for my people will be the top priority of my administration,” he added.
Governor Petilla, who begins his second term in his second cycle as governor, reminded all newly elected officials to move past political differences and focus on public service.
“The campaign is over. It’s time to work. We are facing many problems—the world is in chaos, and so is our country. This is the time when our people need us the most,” Petilla said in his address after taking his oath before Judge Georgina Uy-Perez.
Also sworn in were Vice Governor Leonardo Javier, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and other local officials including mayors, vice mayors, and councilors. Among those present were three councilors from Tacloban City.
Reelected Representatives Karen Javier (2nd District) and Ma. Victoria Veloso-Tuazon (3rd District) likewise took their oaths of office during the event.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre represented House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s first congressional district.
(JOEY A.GABIETA,LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)
