CEBU, Philippines – Despite the political segregation of Tacloban as a highly urbanized city from Leyte province, Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla assured Mayor Alfredo Romualdez of a formal invitation for the 70th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary on October 20, in which President Benigno Aquino III will be the guest of honor.
Petilla in yesterday's press briefing said Tacloban City is historically a part of the province of Leyte, even before World War II.
"Of course we will invite them (Romualdez and city officials), because Tacloban is part of the province and we will appreciate their cooperation with this big event," said Petilla.
Tacloban Councilor Vangie Esperas, when ask about the invitation of the governor, said: "That`s a great gesture especially if a sincere one. I hope it will signal openness of the governor for reconciliation."
The political rivalries of the Petillas and the Romualdezes in Leyte have deepened when Alfred made Tacloban an HUC six years ago resulting in its political segregation from the province.