MANILA, Philippines—Guia Gomez, the former actress turned businesswoman, has formed a local political party to back her bid to become mayor of San Juan City in the 2010 elections.

Gomez asked the Commission on Elections recently to accredit her political party, Partido Magdiwang, "which intends to participate in the local elections of 2010."

The Comelec is scheduled to decide on political party and party-list petitions by November.

Gomez has said that she plans to replace her son, Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito, whose term ends in 2010.

Ejercito has been serving as San Juan mayor for three consecutive terms. He is reportedly eyeing a congressional seat next year.

According to her petition, Gomez serves as president of her party, while Ejercito is the chairperson.

"Founded on 19 April 2008, petitioner has been in existence for more than a year prior to the filing of this petition. It is San Juan-wide local political party with offices and chapters in majority of its barangays local wide," the petition said.

The city of San Juan has been the bailiwick of former president Joseph Estrada, the opposition leader and Ejercito's father.

Estrada's political career began in San Juan when he became mayor there in the 60s. His son, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, also served as mayor.

When asked about Gomez's political party, Estrada said he was surprised but expressed support for Gomez's candidacy.