Eastern Visayas: Eastern Visayas lawmakers and officials have condemned Vice President Sara Duterte's recent tirades against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, labeling her actions as 'reckless, divisive, and baseless.' Biliran Representative Gerardo Espina Jr., Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Samar Reps. Reynolds Michael Tan and Stephen James Tan, along with at least 45 top Eastern Visayas officials, issued a Joint Manifesto of Indignation, calling out Duterte's behavior as an insult to both the Waray people and their leaders. According to Philippines News Agency, the conflict arose from Duterte's criticism amid her public feud with Congress regarding its investigation of the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure. The manifesto asserts that these 'unwarranted attacks are an affront not only to a leader of impeccable integrity but also to the pride and dignity of the Waray people - whose values of resilience, hard work, and honor are personified by Speaker Romualdez.' The leaders highlighted Romualdez's long history of public service, noting that he has 'delivered real and lasting improvements to the lives of Filipinos' and remains committed to uplifting the country's most vulnerable sectors. Furthermore, they criticized Duterte for disrespecting not just Romualdez but also the legacy of President Marcos. 'Vice President Duterte's unfounded allegations also insult the Romualdez legacy, which extends to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., who shares Waray blood through his mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos,' the statement read. The statement underscores the historical and familial ties that bind the President to Eastern Visayas and emphasizes the region's resilience through hard work and solidarity. The leaders expressed pride in the accomplishments of both Romualdez and President Marcos, asserting that their leadership has brought meaningful progress to the nation. Duterte's actions, according to the leaders, go beyond personal attacks. 'Her irresponsible statements not only destabilize the unity of the administration but also erode the trust of the Filipino people at a time when cooperation and stability are paramount,' the manifesto said. All seven mayors of the municipalities comprising the first legislative district of Leyte province have come out in strong defense of Romualdez, denouncing Duterte's accusations of political intimidation as 'baseless and malicious.' In a separate manifesto, the mayors of Palo, Alangalang, San Miguel, Tanauan, Sta. Fe, Tolosa, and Babatngon described the allegations as an affront not only to Romualdez but also to the people of the First District of Leyte. 'We, the undersigned mayors of the First District of Leyte, stand in staunch defense of Leyte First District Representative and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, a leader whose integrity and dedication to public service have been consi stently proven throughout his exemplary political career,' the manifesto declared. The manifesto was signed by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, president of the Leyte Chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, along with Mayors Lovell Anne Yu-Castro of Alangalang, Norman Sabdao of San Miguel, Gina Merilo of Tanauan, Amparo Monteza of Sta. Fe, Erwin Ocana of Tolosa, and Eleonor Lugnasin of Babatngon. Duterte's claims, they said, are 'not only unfounded but also an affront to the people of the First District of Leyte, who have chosen him time and again to be their voice and advocate.' For Biliran, signatories include Board Member Roselyn Espina Parabos and Mayors Rhodessa Revita (Caibiran), Humphrey Olimba (Culaba), Gemma Adobo (Cabucgayan), Myra Cabrales (Biliran), and Richard Jaguros (Almeria). Calubian Mayor Marciano Battancela, Jr. and Villaba Mayor Lito Veloso from Leyte also signed the manifesto. For Northern Samar, the following mayors signed: Maria Ana Abalon (San Roque), Leo Jarito (Silv ino Lobos), Felipe Sosing (Pambujan), Florence Batula (Palapag), Maria Luisa Menzon, (Lapinig), and Raquel Capoquian (Gamay).