By Fiel Gia Ramada
Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez recently posted about his complaints over what he called a coordinated “media spin” after several reporters reached out to get his side on flood control structure that collapsed in Matag-ob, Leyte.
In a Facebook post, the actor-turned-politician pointed to the “similar” questions sent in by different news outlets and social media channels as proof that someone was “orchestrating” the coverage. He also said that reporters were being paid to ask him about the issue.
“Mahal din itong media spin na ginagawa nila against me. Look at the similarities of the different socmeds and agencies asking questions. Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan,” he wrote.
Compiled in the post are screenshots of messages from journalists trying to get a comment from him, showing their personal information and contact numbers which could be a possible violation of data privacy acts.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) then released a statement calling Gomez’s claims to be groundless and “imputing malice” among journalists.
“Media asking for his side actually favors him,” the group said, adding that it is a basic part of journalism to get all sides in an issue, especially when a public official is involved.
“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,” the statement read.
NUJP also stressed that Gomez could have simply declined to comment without accusing reporters of bias or exposing their personal information.
The issue started last August 25 when a portion of a flood control structure that is still under construction in Barangay Riverside in Matag-ob, Leyte collapsed due to heavy rains.
Matag-ob Mayor Bernardino Tacoy called-out Gomez for giving what he described as “limited support” during the disaster and linked him to the project, saying it was launched without the proper permits from the local government.
“Like our neighboring towns in the Fourth District, we face constant flooding, threatening our homes and our livelihoods. Despite limited support from our District representative, we continue to persevere through discipline and resilience,” Mayor Tacoy said in a post.
The two officials have been exchanging statements since the issue surfaced.
