Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez Calls for Clean Mayor to Tackle Local Issues
Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez has urged a clean mayor to focus on resolving problems in his own city before accusing the entire Congress of corruption. Gomez highlighted that the city under this local chief executive is overwhelmed by various challenges, urging accountability at the local level first.
In a cryptic Facebook post, the Leyte lawmaker suggested that the clean mayor’s allegations against lawmakers are less about corruption and more about an ongoing dispute with the congressman representing the mayor’s city. Gomez implied that the mayor’s accusations are politically motivated due to the congressman securing more projects for his district than the city itself.
Accusations Rooted in Political Rivalry, Gomez Claims
Gomez expressed frustration over the mayor’s approach, saying, “It doesn’t surprise me anymore that this so-called ‘clean’ mayor is throwing accusations of corruption at us congressmen. Corruption has become the easiest issue to ride on nowadays, but let’s be honest, I don’t think this is all about corruption.”
He added, “If this is about his own congressman, who happens to bring in more projects for his district than he can for his city, don’t include all of us. If you have a problem with your congressman, face him. Don’t drag all of us into your fight. Don’t discredit every congressman just to make yourself look good.”
Focus on Local Problems Instead of Congressional Allegations
Gomez urged the mayor to prioritize solving pressing issues within the city rather than repeatedly accusing Congress members of corruption. He listed problems such as worsening air quality, insufficient public transportation, broken waste disposal systems, overcrowding, illegal structures, and poor urban planning.
“You talk nonstop about corruption in Congress. Why? Because it’s an easy headline? Meanwhile, your own city is drowning in problems: the air quality is getting worse, there’s not enough public transport, the waste disposal system is broken, the city is overcrowded, illegal structures are all over, and urban planning is in shambles,” Gomez said. He concluded, “Maybe it’s time to fix your own house first before pointing fingers at others. Mahiya ka naman (have some shame).”
Mayor’s Identity and Earlier Corruption Claims
Although Gomez did not name the mayor, local leaders noted that only one local chief executive has recently accused lawmakers of corruption linked to infrastructure projects and aid distribution: Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
In an interview following the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address, the mayor alleged that lawmakers influence appointments of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers, enabling collusion among lawmakers, officials, and contractors. Magalong claimed that contractors informed him of lawmakers receiving 30 to 40 percent of project contract prices.
Responses and Reactions from Officials
When asked to respond to Gomez’s remarks, the Baguio mayor replied cryptically, stating, “No lantern can light the eyes that choose the dark; debate is wasted where truth leaves no mark.”
The chair of the House committee on public accounts expressed openness to inviting Magalong to testify, saying lawmakers would “heap praise” if he could identify those involved in corruption. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno voiced confidence in Magalong’s evidence-based claims, citing his background in law enforcement and investigation.
Further Allegations and Disputes
In January 2025, Magalong alleged that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez distributed social aid funds to lawmakers during official trips, with amounts reaching up to P84 million if a lawmaker attended multiple sorties. Former Baguio City Rep. Mark Go disputed these claims, urging support for such aid initiatives.
Magalong clarified that aid programs like Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers are national efforts managed by specific agencies, not by Romualdez’s office.
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