Imelda Marcos' nephews to run unopposed in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 18  -- Two nephews of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos are running without opponents in their bid to reclaim the post currently held by their spouses.

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez formalized his return to Congress representing the first district of Leyte province, the post he held from 2007 to 2016. Martin is the son of Imelda’s younger brother, the late Benjamin Romualdez, a former governor and ambassador.

“We will prioritize the first district in all aspects. As we reach the House of Representatives, we will work with the President to make (the) Philippines work again,” Martin said on Wednesday.

Martin, national president of the Lakas - Christian Muslim Democrats party, seeks to replace his wife, incumbent Rep. Yedda Marie, who will run as representative of Tingog Sinirangan, the party list formed by Martin in 2016.

His cousin, Alfred Romualdez also sealed his bid to return as mayor of this city, under the Nacionalista Party.

Tacloban is the capital of the Eastern Visayas region with more than 240,000 residents and a daytime population of up to one million.

The post is currently held by his wife, former actress Cristina Gonzalez, who is bowing out of politics. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Cristina as chairperson of the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council.

Alfred took control of the city government from 2007 to 2016, replacing his father Alfredo, also a younger brother of Imelda. Alfred’s father ruled the city from 1998 to 2007.

“There are many things that should be addressed. I like to focus on the needs of displaced population in the northern villages, such as provision of water and other basic needs,” Alfred told reporters, referring to relocation sites built for Super Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

Unlike in previous elections, both Martin and Alfred will run without opponents, based on records of the Commission on Elections. The cousins filed their certificates of candidacy on Tuesday. (SQM/PNA)