Leyte has produced its share of prominent politicians in Philippine history. The most famous (or infamous) is former First Lady Imelda Marcos otherwise known as Imeldific. This curious and funny adjective has joined the local vocabulary to indicate something that is done in excess of which Imelda certainly qualifies. With her penchant for grandeur, she undertook massive infrastructure projects during the Marcos years and more so when she became the first ever governor of Metro Manila (a post that was specially created just to satisfy her political ambitions). She was the one who constructed the first ever light rail transit system in the country to ease the traffic congestion of Manila’s streets. She also put the Philippines on the world map by undertaking massive projects such as the Cultural Centre of the Philippines to showcase Filipino talents in culture and arts. She also pushed hard for the reclamation project along scenic Manila Bay. For evil or good, she had left her mark on Philippine politics. Her hometown in Leyte was renovated during her heyday as First Lady.

former First Lady Imelda Marcos  The province is not immune to politics Philippine style. This includes a tacit violation of the country’s constitution which prohibits the perpetuation of political dynasties. But there is just so much at stake at the local levels that politicians often treat public office as an heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation. An example is Imelda whose nephew ran for governor in the province last year. The governorship position was previously held by the father of Imelda and by her brother in the 1970s. But it is no wonder that political dynasties persist because even the current Philippine president is herself a product of a dynasty. Her sons ran and won as congressmen and even her brother-in-law also won as congressman. The intent of the Constitution was never followed because at any one time, at least more than half of all sitting congressmen of any congress come from families that have held political power for several generations. A former speaker of the house came from Leyte and several illustrious and brilliant senators during the glory years of the Philippine Senate hailed from Leyte.