ORMOC CITY, Philippines – Typhoon Yolanda has considerably altered the lives of the people in Eastern Visayas and also political alliances.
This after Ormoc City Mayor Edward Codilla told the media during the first commemoration of the devastating typhoon that he is now planning to join the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino.
Codilla said his decision to join LP is “out of gratitude (for Aquino) for helping Ormocanons when Yolanda hit the city in devastating force.”
Unlike in neighboring Tacloban City where the Aquino administration is openly in conflict with the Romualdezes, Ormoc has been the “apple of the eye” for the national government.
Improved relations between Codilla and the LP stalwarts have been visible with the constant visit of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, on top of the frequent conversations among them over the phone.
Codilla made it clear though that despite his joining the LP, his warm relations with the Romualdezes will always be considered.
It may be different however with his political opponent, incumbent Leyte’s 4th district Representative Lucy Torres Gomez, who is an LP member. “Let’s wait for further development,” Codilla said.
In the 2013 elections, Codilla filed his candidacy under Lakas party against Richard Gomez, husband of Lucy, whom he defeated. But for whatever reasons, when COMELEC released the official list of candidates, Codilla’s status was listed as independent.