Actor Richard Gomez files candidacy for Leyte fourth district congressman
TACLOBAN CITY- Actor Richard Gomez formalized his bid to become the congressional representative in the fourth district of Leyte by filing his certificate of candidacy yesterday afternoon at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections.
As expected, the award-winning actor drew a large crowd as he filed his CoC at around 3:38 p.m. before provincial elections supervisor Felicisimo Embalsado. He was accompanied by his wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Gomez said that he is offering himself to the people of the fourth district as an alternative from a family who has ruled the district for years now.
“We want a big change for our people and in the district. I am offering myself with God at my side,” the congressional candidate said during an interview.
His being young and an actor, Gomez said could be his strength against his opponent, Eufrocino “Wennie” Codilla, Jr. who is running under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
It was learned from Gomez that he has a complete slate composed of six mayoralty candidates and two board member candidates, Juanito Reyes, Sr. and Mario Larrazabal, who accompanied the actor yesterday.
The 43-year old congressional candidate brushed aside accusations of his not being a true- blooded Ormocanon.
“It does not matter. What matter most is the platform of government and my intention to serve the people of the district. They have no issues against me that is why they are resorting to mudslinging and misinformation,” Gomez, who filed his candidacy under the Liberal Party, said.
His wife, Lucy, belongs to one of the richest and landed families in Ormoc City. Her grandfather was once a mayor of Ormoc.
Lucy said that she is giving her husband “full support” on his bid as to become a congressman.
“I am giving full support to him. And I am from Ormoc which makes him an Ormocanon just like me,” she said.
Gomez’ political opponent, Eufrocino “Wennie” Codilla, Jr. has already filed his CoC yesterday morning as he branded his opponent as a “mere actor.”
“And I am true Ormocanon,” Codilla said.
Codilla’s father and namesake, is the outgoing congressional representative of the fourth district which is composed of Ormoc City, Kananga, Merida, Palompon, Albuera and Isabel towns.
Gomez said if he will win in next year’s elections, he will focus in the delivery of basic services to the people of the district in areas of infrastructures, education and health, among others.
Asked if he has any candidate for the governor, Gomez said that it is the national hierarchy which will decide on the matter.
This latest political foray of the award-winning actor and athlete is his third time. In 2004 elections, he ran under the party-list group which was disqualified by the Commission on Elections and in 2007 senatorial elections. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
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