Gomez, Locsin lead Ormoc survey

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – Richard Gomez and his running mate, Carmelo “Toto Jr.” Locsin, continue to soar in the latest survey by a UP-based organization of economics and statistics graduates.

The survey results, obtained last Sunday, showed that 60 percent of the sample group preferred Gomez over his rival Edward Codilla (36.7 percent) while third placer Macoy Larrazabal got 3.2 percent.

Both Gomez and Codilla are running for mayor for the first time, although the Codillas have been in power in the city for almost two decades now.

Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, however, won the district seat from them in 2010 when she routed the incumbent’s eldest son by a lead of 24,701 votes.

She is leading in the survey with 71.2 percent, while contender Ormoc City Mayor Eric Codilla got 28.8 percent.

Locsin, on the other hand, was preferred by 57.7 percent of the respondents. Former city administrator Dennis Capuyan, on the other hand, got 32 percent, and third councilor Claudio Larrazabal, 10.2 percent.

When reached for his comment, Gomez said the survey results are reflective of the Ormoc folk’s desire for change.

Coming from the entertainment industry, Gomez said he believes in surveys. “The industry always do surveys to know if a show is rating or not. It’s a good gauge,” he said.  

Gomez said he is also happy that the survey validates the high acceptability of his running mate Locsin whose parents are former lawmakers.

He said Locsin is catching the interest of Ormoc residents, especially the youth, after overcoming his initial shyness of big crowds.  

The survey was conducted on a sample group of 1,504 Ormoc City residents during the first week of May.