Goma faces tough battle in Bulacan, pols say

MALOLOS CITY — He’s welcome.

Such was the accommodating posture of Bulacan politicians on the plan of actor-athlete Richard Gomez to run for governor, but they said he would definitely face a tough competition.

Besides the governorship, the other option of "Goma," as the actor is fondly called, is the vice mayorship of Manila as running mate of Sen. Alfredo Lim.

"He (Gomez) can give it a try," said San Miguel Mayor Edmundo Jose Buencamino. For her part, third district Rep. Lorna Silverio described the actor as a tough rival because of his "appeal" and financial resources.

"That would make the battle for governorship very interesting," said Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz, who along with former governor Roberto Pagdanganan, Rep. Willy Alvarado, and board member Jon-jon Mendoza are rumored to be eyeing the gubernatorial post which last-term Gov. Josie de la Cruz will vacate next year.

However, political observers in the province believe that it would be a tough battle for Gomez should he decide to run for governor in the 2007 elections.

Joey Munsayac, an ally of Pagdanganan, said Gomez stands a better chance if he runs for vice governor or congressman, or maybe for senator.

For her part, Susan Ople, youngest daughter of the late statesman Blas Ople, who hailed from Hagonoy town, described Gomez as a "formidable opponent," citing his "stellar name and solid accomplishments in the fields of sports and anti-drug campaign."

However, Ople said the actor "has to start from scratch in building a network and this will entail a great deal of time, effort, and resources." 

"Bulakenyos are very intelligent and discerning voters. Richard may be famous but his opponents are equally well known and have been serving the province for years," she said.

Ople said Gomez would have to convince his provincemates that he has a real plan for Bulacan. "Whatever his decision, I wish him the best of luck," she said.

In 2001, Gomez was rumored to have been courted by the political opposition to run against De la Cruz, who was then gunning for her second consecutive term as governor.

Munsayac confirmed this, admitting that he was the one who tried to woo Gomez to run in the 2001 elections.

The rumors, however, died down when a local newspaper traced Gomez’s roots and exposed that he was not a registered voter in Bulacan.

Rodolfo Santos, a friend of Gomez who works in the provincial Capitol, said the actor’s father is a member of the Samonte clan of San Rafael town, while his mother hails from Barangay Tibig in Bulacan town and is related to the illustrious Icasiano clan there.

According to Santos, he asked Gomez recently if he was really willing to spend his money in a gubernatorial fight.

"Sabi niya, kung gagastusan daw siya ng mga nag-aalok na tumakbo siya ay baka tumuloy siya (He said he might run if those wooing him to run would finance his bid)," Santos said.

"Mas mabuti mag-vice governor siya kay Jon-jon Mendoza (It might be good if he runs for vice governor of Jon-jon Mendoza)," he said.

Mendoza, who represents the Association of Barangay Chairmen, in the provincial board, is a younger brother of De la Cruz.