Petillas of Leyte back Marcos-Duterte tandem

Presidential candidate and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his runnnigmate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

MANILA, Philippines – The politically influential Petilla clan of Leyte has backed the presidential and vice presidential bids, respectively, of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his runningmate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte – Carpio.

Leyte governor Leopoldo Petilla announced the support of his clan for the Uniteam tandem during Saturday’s Marcos-Duterte campaign rally at the Baybay City convention center.

Petilla was with his brother and gubernatorial candidate Carlos Jericho Petilla while Marcos was joined by Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) president Martin Romualdez and members of the Uniteam’s senatorial slate.

Carlos Jericho Petilla previously served as the energy secretary of the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

The Leyte clan’s support for the Uniteam tandem is the latest endorsement received by Marcos and Duterte for their candidacies.

Southern Leyte governor Damian Mercado and other provincial officials earlier voiced their support for the Uniteam tandem.

In his speech, Petilla said, “It is a big honor to welcome to Leyte, someone who is also from Leyte. Who else could usher in development in our province but someone from Leyte.”

“Let’s support (Marcos) and let’s not forget our vice president who also has Leyte blood in her veins. Inday Sara Duterte is also from Leyte,” he said.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos hails from Leyte while President Duterte was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte.

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