New Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez proclaimed

TACLOBAN CITY — Former Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez was proclaimed representative-elect of the province’s first district on Wednesday afternoon.

Romualdez got 160,401 votes while his rival Lino Dumas got 9,600.

Romualdez is said to be among the possible contenders for the position of Speaker, which is occupied by former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Romualdez, however, said that it is up to his colleagues at the Lower House to decide who to choose as Speaker.

“If I will be chosen by my fellow congressmen, then it would be a new era for Region 8,” Romualdez said.

The newly proclaimed congressman also said his priorities include eradicating poverty and illiteracy among the people of his district, which consists of this city and the towns of Babatngon, Palo, Tolosa, San Miguel, Alangalang, Sta. Fe and Tanauan.

Also proclaimed on Wednesday was Romualdez’ cousin, Alfred Romualdez as mayor of Tacloban City. (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)