Guia Gomez to run for San Juan mayor next year

MANILA, Philippines — Former actress Guia Gomez on Friday confirmed that she would run for mayor of San Juan City in the coming 2010 elections. In an exclusive interview with GMA News’ Sandra Aguinaldo, Gomez, mother of incumbent Mayor JV Ejercito, said she could not wait to serve the residents of the city. "Tatakbo po akong mayor ng San Juan. Gustong-gusto kong manilbihan sa tao ng San Juan [I will run as mayor of San Juan. I want to serve the people of San Juan]," she said. Gomez was known as the First Lady of San Juan-- the bailiwick of former President Joseph Estrada. Aguinaldo’s report, which was aired on “24 Oras," said Gomez has decided to run for mayor because JV will seek a congressional seat next year.
Meanwhile, former President Estrada said he sees nothing wrong with Gomez' decision to run for mayor. “There’s nothing wrong as long as she is qualified [in terms of] age and she's a resident of San Juan," he said. GMA News tried but failed to reach Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Estrada’s son, for his comment. Gomez, however, assured that Estrada’s first family has no bitter feelings about her decision. Asked about the older Estrada's future position should she win the race, Gomez said: “he will be among my advisers." Last February, Estrada chose Gomez to succeed their son JV as the next mayor of the city. He also expressed hopes that his decision would not create jealousy among members of his family. Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV