Media Outcry Over Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez’s Actions
Several media members covering the House of Representatives have strongly criticized Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez for actions that allegedly put journalists’ safety at risk. This controversy erupted after Gomez exposed the contact details of reporters who sought his response to accusations made by a local mayor. The exact four word keyphrase “Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez” appears early in this report and throughout.
In a united statement, House-accredited media practitioners condemned what they called “baseless and spiteful utterances” from Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez. They emphasized that Gomez was simply asked to address allegations from Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy, yet instead of cooperating, he chose to reveal sensitive information of the reporters.
Background: Accusations From Matag-ob Mayor
The incident traces back to last Thursday when Mayor Bernie Tacoy accused Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez of failing to coordinate flood control projects with the local government. Tacoy claimed these projects, funded by congressional allocations, were flawed and improperly managed.
When reporters approached Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez for his side, he dismissed the inquiries as part of an “expensive media spin” in a Facebook post. However, the lawmaker posted screenshots of his conversations with reporters without obscuring their names and contact details, endangering their privacy and security.
Media’s Response: Upholding Press Ethics and Safety
Media professionals covering the House firmly rejected Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez’s actions. They stated, “The Honorable Gomez’s unfounded allegations were made with reckless disregard for the personal safety of the journalists involved and to the studied civility by which members of the Lower House and the House Media have always treated each other.”
They also underscored that requesting a response from Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez was a standard journalistic practice aimed at fairness, giving him the chance to clarify or refute claims. “The requests for reactions from the gentleman from Leyte, far from being malicious, were part of a journalist’s ethical practice to accord the other party an opportunity to present his side and refute negative comments directed at him/her if there be any,” the statement read.
Despite Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez’s apparent hostility, media members expressed a preference to avoid conflict, especially when the nation faces more urgent challenges.
Calls for Ethics Review and Leadership Reaction
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, a former interior secretary, urged the media to file a complaint before the House ethics committee regarding Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez’s conduct. Puno emphasized that public officials must be accountable and willing to explain their actions when questioned. “Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely,” Puno said. “I encourage you to bring it before the ethics committee here.”
He further criticized Gomez for worsening the situation by insulting people involved, expressing disappointment as a House leader.
Makabayan Bloc Condemns Doxxing Incident
On Saturday, the Makabayan bloc expressed strong opposition to Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez’s actions, viewing them as a violation of press freedom and the public’s right to know. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co highlighted the irony that this episode occurred on National Press Freedom Day.
“We lament Representative Gomez’s doxxing of journalists who were simply doing their job,” Tinio said. Meanwhile, Co voiced concern over the release of personal information, describing it as a direct threat to media workers’ safety.
For more news and updates on Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez, visit Filipinokami.com.
