NUJP calls out Richard Gomez for claiming reporters are part of paid 'media spin' and posting their contact details amid interview request
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called out actor-turned-politician, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, after he accused reporters of being part of a paid "media spin"—even as he posted their contact details—for seeking his comment on a damaged flood control structure in Matag-ob.
The NUJP, in a statement on Aug. 29, told Gomez that it's just a "simple fact of media trying to get his side." Amid his false claim that media were being paid to get his comment, the organization reminded him that it's what "fairness actually requires."
"Apart from the allegations that colleagues were paid as part of supposed 'media spin,' Gomez posted screenshots with media workers' names and numbers, a potential violation of data privacy and an action that puts them at risk of harassment and fraud," the agency said.
The NUJP noted that the media asking for Gomez's side on the matter, in fact, "actually favors him."
"The requests give him a chance to address allegations made by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy, who has also criticized him for alleged lack of support during heavy flooding, and making them is part of journalists' jobs," it said.
The NUJP noted that Gomez could've given a "simple 'no comment' or lack of response if he preferred not to speak about the issue," while also not imputing malice or exposing our colleagues' private information."
"Despite the media community's recent reflections on the practices of some of its members," it added, "claiming media bias and spin to avoid answering questions will only go so far."
Gomez, in a Facebook post on Aug. 28, shared screenshots of text and Viber messages from media outlets' representatives, who invited him to appear on their respective programs, give a statement, or go into a quick phone call.
The screenshots showed the people's names and phone numbers. Gomez turned off the comments section of his post.
"Mahal din itong media spin na ginagawa nila against me," he said. "Look at the similarities of the different socmeds and agencies asking questions."
"Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more, mga ungas," he added.
Massive flooding in July
Flood control projects have been the talk of the town for weeks, with several contractors, local officials, and congressmen being accused of corruption. What made the issue worse was when several children of politicians, dubbed by netizens as "nepo babies," were flexing their designer clothing and flying to different countries in seemingly unapologetic fashion—even vlogging about their comforts.
The issue in the government's flood control projects began in July as the rains triggered massive flooding in the metro.
At the time, Lacson told dzBB that since 2011, about P1 trillion allocated for flood control projects may have been lost to corruption.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, called out government officials involved in the would-be corruption in flood control projects.
Marcos ordered the DPWH to "immediately submit" to him the list of flood control projects from every region that were started and completed in the last three years. He said a project monitoring committee will evaluate this list to determine the failures, as well as the unfinished and ghost projects.
Soon after, he launched the "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website, where the public can track and report flood control projects. He also published a list of 15 contractors that exclusively bagged 20% of all flood control projects worth P100 billion in the last three years.
Not long after, Sarah and Curlee Discaya, who are linked to big-time construction firms involved in flood control projects, made the rounds on social media, especially after Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto posted about the couple's interviews with Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao leading up to the 2025 midterm elections. Sarah ran against Sotto but lost by a landslide.
The Bureau of Customs said it would “immediately look into” the Discayas' imported luxury cars. The Bureau of Internal Revenue said it also began a probe into contractors linked to the DPWH flood control projects.