Richard Gomez apologizes for “media spin” allegation

Richard Gomez removes reporters’ personal info on FB post.

Congressman Richard Gomez: “To the members of the press who took offense in my social media post, I sincerely apologize. Sensitive information has been removed. I understand the media endeavor to get my side of the story. I acknowledge your efforts. I am sorry and I could have handled it better.”
PHOTO/S: House of Representatives of the Philippines Facebook

Leyte Fourth District Representative Richard Gomez apologized to members of the media during his personal and collective privilege speech in Congress this Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Gomez’s apology is related to the release on his Facebook page of screenshots of messages and personal contact numbers of journalists from various news organizations who dared to get his side regarding the allegations of Matag-ob Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy.

Tacoy revealed in his Facebook live on August 26 the alleged lack of support from Gomez in the town he is in.

The mayor also linked the actor-politician to the flood control project that was destroyed due to heavy rains on August 25.

RICHARD GOMEZ’S FACEBOOK POST

Due to the consecutive text messages Gomez received from journalists of various news organizations, he suspected that there was a “media spin” against him.

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Gomez shared a screenshot of the messages on his Facebook page and called the reporters “stupid.”

He posted: “This media spin they are doing against me is also expensive.

“Look at the similarities of the different socmeds and agencies asking questions.

“You know very well that someone is gesturing.”

“You know exactly what you spent. Okay, ahhhh. It’s going to cost you more, you idiots.”

RICHARD GOMEZ APOLOGIZES TO THE MEDIA

Gomez’s release of screenshots of the message and personal numbers of journalists was the root cause of House Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno’s suggestion to the media to file a complaint with the Ethics committee against Gomez.

In his privilege speech this Tuesday, the congressman from Leyte apologized.

Gomez has also deleted the screenshots that put her at the center of the controversy from her Facebook page.

Pahayag niya: “Thank you for this opportunity to defend myself and clarify some facts.

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“To the members of the press who took offense in my social media post, I sincerely apologize.

“Sensitive information has been removed. I understand the media endeavor to get my side of the story. I acknowledge your efforts.

“I am sorry and I could have handled it better.”

Gomez subsequently defended himself against Tacoy’s alleged deception of the public.

“I factually say that none of the completed projects in my district has been damaged except for this one na ongoing at hindi pa tapos.

“And I invite anyone with any doubt about any anomalies in flood control projects in the district I represent to scrutinize the documents and actual projects.

“Moreover, the COA had already inspected this very project. Findings will be available from the DPWH or COA, if ever any verified anomalies surfaced, just in case.

“Well, I would gladly face the issue but until then, I highly recommend, especially to Mayor Tacoy of Mataga-ob, to please exercise caution.”

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GOMEZ ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY

Gomez admitted that the lack of accountability and integrity of some public servants and contractors is the reason why the flood problem is getting worse, but he said it is certainly not everyone’s fault.

He said that accountability and integrity should not only be expected from legislators like him but from all professions.

He said it is not appropriate to use controversial issues, such as flood control projects, as weapons to accuse anyone.

He said thorough verification is needed to determine if the allegations are true.

Saad ni Gomez: “The lack of accountability and integrity of some public servants and contractors have led to the burgeoning problem of persistent floods, some but not certainly all.

“In fact, accountability and integrity of work must be expected across all professions, not just us lawmakers.

“But we cannot simply weaponize popular issues like this to make baseless accusations on just anybody, on just anyone.

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“And therefore, proper verification of facts must be exercised. This is the only responsible thing to do.”

He called Tacoy’s statement against him “misinformation.”

“That’s why Mayor Tacoy committed a great folly by misleading the press and the people about the ongoing flood control program.”

“Because of the misinformation he gave, the public swallowed it as gospel truth, in all his interviews that appeared on radio and TV.”

“Friends, colleagues in the government, let’s not allow lies and misinformation to prevail,” he explained at length.

GOMEZ ON ISSUE OF ETHICS

Aside from the issue involving him and Tacoy, Congressman Richard Gomez also spoke about Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s accusation against congressmen involved in anomalous flood control projects and Deputy Speaker Puno’s call for journalists to file complaints against him with the Ethics Committee.

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Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Congressman Richard Gomez 
Photo/s: Facebook

Pahayag niya: “Then comes the issue of ethics.

“I look up the meaning of ethics online and it says, ‘Ethics is a study of what is morally right and wrong, good and bad, involving systems of moral principles and values. It includes examining our values, principles and purposes to determine how we should live and interact with others, ensuring fairness, respect for rights and the minimization of harm.’

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“This was my contention when I called out Mayor of Baguio City Benjamin Magalong when he was issuing blanket statements implying that all congressman in this house are corrupt.

“By all means Mistah, call out corruption! That is both a responsibility and a moral duty. We will help you, let’s fight corruption but one must draw the line when it comes to generalization.

“It is irresponsible to make the fault of one applied to all.

“Let’s turn the tables. If there is a corrupt mayor, is it right to say that all mayors are corrupt? Of course not! The answer is very elementary.”

Gomez added: “Now, here in our own home, Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno would fault me ​​for defending myself from baseless attacks and cite the same as an ethical issue?

“I’d been asked about the statements of DS Puno. It is good that he touched on the issue of ethics. I agree, the House should step up and lead by example.

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“In fact, this should have been done a long time ago. Let’s go back to where the small trouble started. Where did it start? Where is its end?

“Anomalous flood control program. In the president’s budget, he even had to veto it because it no longer reflected his vision.”

“It’s also good that the ethics issue came from DS Puno because he wants to put his fellow congressman on the Ethics Committee.

“Maybe it would be good if we went back to the root of this whole controversy we are facing. This flood control that was abused by a few but ran over everyone.”

“Let’s not do it all. If there is even an Ethics Committee, then include the one who has been cutting the budget  for several years since 2022.”

“Let’s not start in 2022. If you want, even in 2025. The same standard should apply to all.

“If there is even an ethics committee, it should include those who have been cutting the budget for several years since 2022.”

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“The same standards should apply to all. No sacred cows.

“You speak of ethics when one rises to defend his name from baseless allegations, all the more ethics should come into play when a whole institution is tarnished over the lack of accountability of some.”