CEBU CITY – Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez vowed to continue fighting illegal activities in his district and is unfazed over the alleged threats on his life.
"I have this message to whoever wants me dead: I would not be cowed by any threat, political or otherwise. I would continue to discharge my public duties and would not be deterred from doing so by those who want to see me lose. I would not be fazed by the nefarious activities of political leaders who are more focused on protecting their interests than serving the people,” said Gomez in a statement.
GOMEZ (FB)
Gomez was reacting to a report that gun-for-hire groups are conducting liquidation operations in the third and fourth districts of Leyte.
He and at least four mayors in Leyte and an undetermined number of barangay leaders in the two districts are allegedly the target of the assassination plot.
Gomez said he is leaving his fate to God, surmising that he may have earned the ire of some people for fighting their illegal acts.
“Galit sila dahil hindi ako pumapayag na gawin nila ang kanilang mga masasamang balak. Ang Diyos na ang bahala sa akin (They are mad because I am against their illegal activities. I leave my fate to God),” Gomez added.
Gomez added that such a threat is something that he expected when he decided to join politics.
“When I decided to join public service and serve my constituents in the fourth district of Leyte, I was aware that doing so came with risks. I am prepared to face these threats and fight for my right to serve my constituents, and my people’s right to a good and fair governance,” he said.
The report added that a sizable amount has been placed on the head of Gomez and other supposed targets.
Gomez assured his constituents that he will continue to perform his duties even if his life is “on the line.”
“I repeat: I will not be stopped from serving and performing my mandate. I will continue to oppose the illegal activities of local executives in the different municipalities of my district even if my personal interests, including my life, are put on the line,” Gomez said.
Gomez is expected to go up against former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Vicente “Ching” Veloso III in the 2025 elections. Veloso had earlier announced his plans to join the congressional race.