The Old Congressional Districts of Leyte

(Last part)

In the 1700s Leyte and Samar were part of the Diocese of Cebu. The proximity of the island of Cebu to Leyte resulted in migration and inter-marriages between the two places. Majority of Cebuanos and Leyteños are interrelated by affinity or blood, the result of this is that their politics and religious practices share common roots.

Old 4th District of Leyte

It was redistricted in 1931, this time with the following composition: Abuyog, Batbangon, Dulag, Palo, San Miguel, Tacloban (which became a city in 1954), Tanauan, Tolosa, Santa Fe (established by virtue of an Executive Order dated October 10, 1949), MacArthur (established in 1954), Mayorga (created by Republic Act 1220 enacted on May 11, 1955, it was composed of barrios which were part of Dulag), Mahaplag (established in 1957), and Bugho (established in 1961).

The following were elected as the district’s representatives: Cirilo Bayaya (1931-1934), Fortunato M. Sevilla (1934-1935), Francisco D. Enage (1935-1938), Norberto Romualdez (1938-1941), Filomeno Montejo (1941-1946), Juan R. Perez (1946-1949), Daniel Z. Romualdez (1949-1961).

In 1961 it was again redistricted with the following composition: Albuera, Bato, Baybay, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Kananga, Matalom, and Ormoc City. The elected representatives were: Dominador M. Tan (1961-1969) and Rodolfo Rivilla (1969-1972).

There was also the 5th District of Leyte. Among those who became national figures was Jose Ma. Veloso. He was elected representative of the 5th District in the 3rd National Assembly (1946-1949). During the Japanese Occupation it was called the National Assembly from 1943-1944, which was at-large, Jose Ma. Veloso became part of it. Veloso also served as senator of the 9th Senatorial District composed of Leyte and Samar.

Jose Ma. Veloso was born in San Isidro, Leyte, on April 30, 1886, the son of Isidro Veloso and Casiana Morte. Veloso studied in Cebu at the Seminary College in 1909 though he finished his college in Manila.

Jose Ma. Veloso was in the national news when he was arrested for resistance when the Parliamentary Club in Manila, of which he was a manager, was raided by the American Constabulary for gambling operations. The incident happened on May 1923. The case reached the Supreme Court and was decided on October 20, 1925. (End of series)