Comelec bars Richard Gomez from joining Congress race

By Anna Valmero

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barred Richard Gomez from running as fourth district representative of Leyte, saying the actor lacks the required one year residency to join the congressional race.

The Comelec first division, chaired by Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, ruled that Gomez had not resided in Ormoc City for a year prior to his filing of candidacy for him to qualify to represent Ormoc City in the House of Representatives.

Buenaventura Juntilla of Barangay Libertad, Ormoc City has petitioned the Comelec to disqualify Gomez, saying the actor is a resident of East Greenhills, San Juan City and not of Carlota Hills, Ormoc City as Gomez indicated in his certificate of candidacy.

Raymond Cajucom, legal counsel for Gomez, said they would appeal the ruling. “The decision is not yet final. We would file a motion. Parang sa pelikula lang ito, nagpapabugbog muna ang bida pero sa huli ay magwawagi (It’s just like in a movie, the main actor will be mauled at first but in the end he will emerge victor),” said Cajucom.