Lucy Torres-Gomez is running for congressman of Ormoc, Leyte, in place of husband Richard Gomez, according to this Spot.ph feed. The popular TV host, dancer, and image model was chosen as the new congressional candidate under the Liberal Party's banner after a disqualification case based on “lack of residency” was filed against her husband.
In an interview with Pep.ph, the couple expressed their readiness to deal with the situation in this manner, noting that their objective is simply to serve, whoever the actual candidate may be. “Ang gusto naman natin sa simula’t simula pa lang ay magsilbi. We want to fight corruption. We want to help the people… Kami naman ni Lucy ay iisa ang layunin para sa Ormoc,” Richard said. “Pinag-usapan namin ni Lucy ito. She’s more than willing to serve the town kung saan siya ipinanganak at lumaki. Sabi nga niya, ‘You will be my adviser.’”
In the Philippines, it isn't unusual for a wife to replace her husband, or children to replace their parents, in public office. The local political scene is full of examples of citizens with little or no experience taking up positions in government to replace their incumbent relations, with the full support of their constituents.
It may be quite commonplace, but issues of qualification and competence are still regularly raised and will have to be taken into account by the voting public--especially in cases such as this, where both parties are always in the public eye and under a greater amount of scrutiny, from political pundits and showbiz industry watchers and fans alike.
We want to know how you feel about this development--will be a boon for Richard's candidacy, which is already gaining a substantial lead over his opponent as reported by Pep.ph, will it expose Lucy to the gritty and sometimes unsafe world of provincial politics, or will it just be another case of personality-driven politics in an already much-criticized system? Tell us...
(Photo courtesy of Pep.ph; flashbox photo courtesy of Richard Gomez)
