Politicians want Gomez to lead opposition in Bulacan

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan — Too many choices may just spoil the political future of actor Richard Gomez.

This was the consensus of political leaders in the province as Gomez has bared plans to run for Bulacan governor or senator.

In an interview with The STAR Thursday, Gomez said he was also considering joining the senatorial race. "Pag nakasama ako sa senatorial slate ng opposition, doon na ako (If I’m included in the opposition’s senatorial slate, then I’m with it)."

He said he would spend less for a senatorial campaign than joining the gubernatorial race in Bulacan.

Sources said a gubernatorial candidate must raise at least P100 million, while others said P200 million would be enough to finance a good campaign.

Some members of the opposition in the province are reportedly trying to woo Gomez to run against third district Rep. Lorna Silverio.

Political veterans in the province who are planning to stage a comeback also want Gomez to lead the opposition in Bulacan.

If the actor decides to run for governor, they said his running mate will be Arthur Robes, the former vice mayor of San Jose del Monte City.

Last Thursday, Gomez, accompanied by members of the political opposition in the province and some supporters, attended a hearing on a petition contesting the transfer of his voter’s registration from Taytay, Rizal.

"It’s politically motivated," Gomez told The STAR when he came out of the local Comelec office.

Last week, a certain Ronwald Reyes, along with Joselito Sulit and Villena Fabie, filed the petition, raising questions on the transfer of Gomez’s voter’s registration.

Gomez said Reyes is a brother-in-law of San Rafael Vice Mayor Rino Castro, while Sulit is a driver of the Castro family. For his part, Fabie works at the construction project of the Castro family. — Dino Balabo