TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – The younger brother of Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla (Liberal Party) is running unopposed in next year’s gubernatorial race.
This, as Philip Romualdez, son of the late Leyte governor Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez and president of the Chamber of Mines, did not file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for the gubernatorial post yesterday, the deadline set by the Commission on Elections.
Lawyer Sabino Mejarito, provincial election officer, said only the incumbent governor’s brother Dominic filed a COC for the post.
Nobody is also contesting the reelection of Leyte first district Rep. Ferdinand Martin “FM” Romualdez.
The situation confirms the supposed gentlemen’s agreement between Gov. Petilla and the Romualdez brothers that their families would not be pitted against each other. This time though, the rule was stricter – absolutely no dummies or token candidates.
In 2010, Rep. Romualdez was challenged by lawyer Fiel Clemencio who won in all towns of the first district, except Tacloban City, a known Romualdez bailiwick.
Unfortunately, Mayor Alfred Romualdez sought the city to become a Highly Urbanized City, which disqualifies Taclobanons to vote for congressman. With the incumbent governor on his last term, he could be a more formidable foe to FM Romualdez.
Vince Emnas, provincial administrator, said they heard Atty. Clemencio was poised to file for the district seat three days ago. Why he did not pursue his plan, he said, they don’t know but reliable sources said that Gov. Petilla convinced him not to, so as not to rock the boat. Nonetheless, Emnas and LP lawyer Atty. Ruben Palomino were in the vicinity of the provincial election office on the countdown t0 5:00 PM, reportedlly ready to file Petilla’s CoC for Congress had the Romualdez broken the sweetheart deal.