Richard Gomez apologizes to journalists following 'media spin' claims
Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez has apologized to journalists after he exposed their names and contact numbers in a social media post.
"To the members of the press who took offense in my social media post, I sincerely apologize," he said during a speech in the House of Representatives about faulty flood control projects.
"Sensitive information has been removed. I understand that the media endeavors to get my side of the story. I acknowledge your efforts. I'm sorry, and I could have handled it better," the politician added.
In the same speech, he accused Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy of "sensationalizing false information to the media."
Tacoy previously alleged that the Matag-ob flood control project failed because it was built with "substandard materials," and that Gomez gave limited support to their locality amid recurring floods.
"This fact somehow got lost in translation as articles and posts were written on the same subject," he said, adding that they asked the DPWH 4th District of Leyte to clarify that he reason why the flood control wall was damaged is because the project is still ongoing.
"Hindi pa po tapos. Nagsimula ang proyekto in February of this year at matatapos pa lang sa Nobyembre. Kakatapos pa lang po ng kalagitnaan ng paggawa ng flood control na yan. And I will explain later why this is very critical," he continued.
Gomez also added that Tacoy's claims that the LGU was not consulted are "very misleading."
"Mayor Tacoy complained that the LGU was not consulted. This is very misleading because with DPWH projects, ladies and gentlemen, the agency is required to coordinate and inform the LGU. Kaya nga po makikita nyo sa picture na yan, sinasabi niya hindi rin nakipag-coordinate ang DPWH. Pero in January 16, ayan, may coordination meeting sila," he said.
Last Aug. 28, Gomez faced backlash for posting screenshots of messages from several journalists who requested interviews or comments after Tacoy made his claims. In his Facebook post, Gomez referred to these inquiries as "media spin" against him.
"Mahal din itong media spin na ginagawa nila against me. Look at the similarities of the different [social media] and agencies asking questions. Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more mga ungas," he wrote.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines then called out Gomez, saying that it's just a "simple fact of media trying to get his side."
"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" and "gives him a chance to address the allegations."
It 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."
