Leyte administrator dispels rumors governor is not in good health

By Provincial Media Relations Center (PMRC Leyte)
August 11, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  Leyte Provincial Administrator Vincent Emnas dispelled circulating rumors that Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla is on a some medical furlough abroad following his absence noted early in July.

Emnas otherwise disclosed the governor is on a well-deserved, long overdue vacation in the United States, but more so because one of his siblings is currently suffering from an ailment. The family has to be at his sister’s bedside for support.

This, and no other health reasons, according to Emnas, has forced the governor’s family including his mother former First Leyte Representative Remedios “Matin” Petilla to fly to the United States.

Recent speculations on the governor’s absence include that the latter underwent a heart bypass and may have to be on leave for an indefinite time.

However, Emnas disclosed the governor is well into all kinds of sports and healthy as he is that a “heart by-pass” is unlikely.

Gov. Petilla went on leave in July while Vice-Governor Mimietta Bagulaya assumed as the province’s officer-in-charge in behalf of the absent governor. Meanwhile Senior Board Member Carlo Loreto from the fifth district of Leyte presides over regular session at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The provincial administrator also clarified that despite the leave of absence of the governor, daily operations and activities at the provincial government remains normal.

According to him, the services of the capitol are all in place and ready to serve the Leyteños at all times even with the absence of the governor.