July 7, 1999, The Philippine Star, Now, a Cabinet rank for 'Goma', by Marichu Villanueva,

July 7, 1999, The Philippine Star, Now, a Cabinet rank for 'Goma', by Marichu Villanueva,

In an administration that already boasts a former action star as its Chief Executive, popular actor Richard "Goma" Gomez was sworn in yesterday as the newly promoted presidential adviser on youth and sports, a post with a Cabinet rank.

Gomez was previously appointed by President Estrada as presidential consultant on sports development.

During the mass oath-taking yesterday at Malacañang for the newly designated presidential appointees, another actor, Herbert "Bistek" Bautista, was sworn in as commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission (NYC).

Bautista, a member of Mr. Estrada's Laban ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP), ran but lost as an official candidate in the Quezon City mayoralty race during the May 1998 elections. Bautista was the city's vice mayor before challenging Mayor Mel Mathay.

The President likewise appointed former dzRHradio reporter Cesar Chavez as chairman of the NYC for another three-year term.

The athletic Gomez told The STAR he has yet to look for an office for himself where he can serve full-time as a presidential adviser.

Chavez, on the other hand, said Gomez will be the Cabinet secretary to which the NYC will be attached, considering the latter's new position.

The President appointed Gomez as his presidential consultant on sports development last Feb. 19.

Gomez is just one of the show business personalities who has been given a portfolio during the year-old administration of Mr. Estrada, whose tough-guy roles earned him a large following among the filmgoing masa.

In tapping Gomez for his new role, the President noted the actor was a member of the national fencing team in last year's Asian Games, although the young actor did not qualify for the medal round.

Gomez is also involved in various sports and athletic activities including basketball, volleyball, golf, rowing, motorcycling, racing and mountain climbing. There is even a golf tournament named after him, the Goma Cup.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesman Fernando Barican defended the appointment of Gomez.

"The President is confident that Mr. Gomez, as a legitimate and serious sports figure, will contribute significantly in his administration's effort to promote a strong ... and competitive national team," Barican said.

"The President also noted that (with) Mr. Gomez's popularity as a movie star, he will be an effective promoter of the sports development program at the grassroots level," Barican added.

Bautista, meanwhile, is the latest LAMP partymate of President Estrada to receive a government post after the one-year ban on losing candidates lapsed recently.

At the same ceremonies yesterday, Mr. Estrada also swore in the new president of the University of the Philippines, Francisco Nemenzo, as well as presidential assistant for the Visayas, Rene Villa, and presidential consultant on broadcast affairs,dzMM manager Joselito Balquiedra Jr.

Thirty-four new state prosecutors and a municipal trial court judge likewise took their oaths of office yesterday. -- Marichu Villanueva