Vice governor takes over Petilla’s post

TACLOBAN CITY—With his new designation of energy secretary, Carlos Jericho Petilla formally stepped down as governor of Leyte Monday, paving the way for Vice Gov. Ma. Mimiette Bagulaya to assume the post for the next seven months.

Before his appointment, Petilla, 49, would have ended his third and final

term as governor on June 30, 2013. He took his oath of office before President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday, replacing Rene Almendras who was named secretary to the Cabinet.

The assumption of Bagulaya, 56, as governor temporarily cut the dominance of the Petillas in the provincial capitol. Both parents of Petilla, Leopoldo and Remedios, are former governors. Leopoldo served from 1992 to 1995 while Remedios occupied the post from 1995 to 2004.

Remedios was elected mayor of Palo town in 2010, while Leopoldo was named board member of Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. this year.

Jericho’s younger brother, Leopoldo Dominico, is running unopposed for governor in next year’s elections.

Bagulaya, who first served as vice governor in 2004, has filed her certificate of candidacy for board member representing the third district.

She took her oath as governor before Executive Judge Lauro Castillo at 8:04 a.m. at the terrace of the Capitol here. Petilla was among those present.

Senior Board Member Florante Cayunda Jr., 31, was also sworn in as vice governor. Joey Gabieta, Inquirer Visayas