MANILA – In a recent interview, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez clarified that his wife, Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, never intended to run for senator in the upcoming 2022 national elections, despite persistent invitations from various groups.

Earlier, a faction within the ruling PDP-Laban party, along with Senate President Vicente Sotto III, had been pushing for Lucy to join their respective Senate slates. However, Lucy ultimately decided to pursue a different political path by opting to run for mayor of Ormoc instead.

“Running for the Senate was never part of her plan,” Mayor Gomez told ABS-CBN News. “She declined the offer because our focus is on Ormoc. We have work to do to improve the city and the district, regardless of the good survey results we might have.”

Gomez also dismissed rumors suggesting that Lucy’s decision to run locally was an attempt to avoid offending her political allies, stating that such notions were baseless. “Lucy is a very friendly person. When people invite her, she considers it without feeling pressured. There’s no reason for her to feel cornered,” he added. “I truly believe that the idea of running for Senate was never on her mind.”

The decision comes after Lucy, who has served three consecutive terms as Leyte representative, is constitutionally barred from running for the same position in the next elections. As part of their political strategy, the couple plans to swap positions if both win in 2022—a move that signals their ongoing commitment to public service and to the communities they represent.

This statement by Mayor Gomez has not only put the rumors to rest but also emphasized the couple’s dedication to local governance. By choosing to focus on Ormoc, Lucy aims to channel her efforts toward tangible improvements in the city, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not solely measured by national office but by the direct impact on the lives of constituents.

Public reaction to the couple’s decision has been mixed. While some admire Lucy’s determination to prioritize local issues, others express disappointment over the missed opportunity for a strong Senate presence. Nonetheless, Mayor Gomez’s clear message reassures supporters that Lucy’s decision is driven by a genuine commitment to her community rather than any external pressure or personal agenda.

As the 2022 elections draw nearer, both the Gomez and Torres-Gomez families remain in the spotlight, with many eagerly anticipating the outcomes of their political endeavors. The planned swap of posts between the husband and wife, if successful, is seen as a bold move that could set a new precedent in local politics.

For now, the focus is on delivering real change for Ormoc and the surrounding district. With leaders like Lucy Torres-Gomez at the helm, many hope that the upcoming electoral cycle will bring about significant improvements in public service and governance. Stay tuned for more updates as the political landscape evolves in the coming months.