Thousands attend LP’s rally

ORMOC CITY, Philippines   â€“   An estimated 17,000 people turned out for the Team Gomez’s Liberal Party opening salvo at the parking area of the Gaisano Riverside Mall last April 7, which was also the 47th birthday of mayoralty candidate Richard Gomez. 

The Team Gomez also brought in popular entertainment personalities, such as the Siakol band, comic duo Jose and Wally and actor Coco Martin.

Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th district, Leyte) used a PowerPoint presentation to explain to the crowd what she had done in her three years, such as the cementing of roads, and building classrooms, gyms and other infrastructures in the district. “I ask you to measure me for what I have done in my three years, ” she said.

Richard, for his part, told the crowd that he is running for mayor to help combat the city’s worsening drug problem, which he plans to rid the city within his “first 100 days.” He also promised to work on the problem of unemployment, which he said can be attained by a well-planned tourism program and business-friendly programs.

Criticized for using his popularity as a movie and TV actor and his colleagues in the industry to draw a crowd to the rally, Gomez blurted out: “Why? Is it bad to be an actor?” He also vowed to give all his time to the Ormocanons if elected mayor, and help his wife Lucy for every project in the city.

Vice mayoralty candidate Leo Carmelo “Toto Jr.” Locsin, son of a former city mayor, said he would help Gomez in the fight against the drug menace in the city.

Others in the Team Gomez who spoke also to the crowd were bets for councilors, Lito Cotiangco, Emma Fiel, Gerry Penserga, Bennet Pongos, Vince Rama, Linda Sakai, Goito Yrastorza, and reelectionists Mario Rodriguez and Tommy Serafica.  (FREEMAN)