Newly-elected Leyte officials take their oaths of office

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte officials, led by reelected Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, took their oaths of office on Thursday, June 26, during a ceremony held at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte.

Among those sworn in were 14 newly elected mayors in the province, including Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

First-time Mayor Kerwin Espinosa of Albuera town was absent.

Carlos Petilla, who begins his second term as governor, reminded all newly elected officials to move past political differences and focus on public service.

“The campaign is over. It’s time to work. We are facing many problems — the world is in chaos, and so is our country,” he said in his address after taking his oath before Judge Georgina Uy-Perez.

Also sworn in were Vice Governor Leonardo Javier, members of the Provincial Board, and other local officials including mayors, vice mayors and councilors.

Reelected Representatives Karen Javier (2nd District) and Ma. Victoria Veloso-Tuazon (3rd District) likewise took their oaths of office during the event. /apl