Actor Richard Gomez has assured critics he will only support the programs of his wife, newly-elected Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez, and not manage her affairs from the shadows.

“I’m just going to support her. Help her. But for most parts, it’ll all be her,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bulletin Entertainment.

Gomez’ assurance came amid concerns that he might wield a strong influence into her political decisions having been originally on the running for the post the latter is now occupying prior to a successful disqualification case filed against him.

“Of course, I couldn’t just let her handle [the responsibilities] all by herself. It’s a big jump for Lucy. It’s an abrupt change of pace for her especially as her candidacy was mainly a last-minute decision so…as her husband, I will be very supportive. I will help her push her plans, her programs,” he added.

Gomez was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) citing his failure to establish residency in Ormoc, Leyte. According to law, individuals running for public office at the local government level must have, at the very least, established one year of residency in the city or province they choose to represent.

Gomez endorsed the candidacy of his wife as “replacement” even before the Comelec issued its final decision on the matter.

The case is water under the bridge for the popular actor even as he vowed to make true the promises he made to the constituents of the province.

“We’ve moved on. The important thing is that Lucy is already there [in Congress] and I’m sure she will be working hard to fulfill the promise of her campaign,” Gomez confirmed.

According to Gomez both he and his wife share the same sentiments when it comes to the welfare of their constituents.

“We only want to help. We want change, improvement. We want to better lives. The best thing about this is that they elected one Gomez but they got two. We will both be working hard for the province,” he shared.

Among the Gomez’ plans is to establish better healthcare for their constituents. They also aim to reinvigorate tourism and sports in the province.

Happy as he is with his wife’s win, Gomez expressed sadness over the apparent loss experienced by friends Joey Marquez and Anjo Ylanna, who ran as a team for Mayor and Vice-mayor of Paranaque, respectively.

“Well, come to think of it. I haven’t been successful in the past, too. Maybe like me, it’s just not their time yet.”

Still, Gomez keeps mum on his future political plans.

“That’s too far off. I’m not even thinking about it. I’ve no long terms plans. For now, my aim is to help Lucy.”

Not that he is planning to retire from show business anytime soon.

“Of course, I will still be working [as an actor]. It’s all about proper scheduling and time management. I think I can handle that.”