Leyte 4th District Representative Richard “Goma” Gomez on Thursday, August 28, accused reporters of being part of a “media spin” after they sought his side on the collapse of a flood control structure in Matag-ob, Leyte, which he has been linked to.
Gomez claimed that the similarity of questions and repeated requests for interviews suggested that “someone is orchestrating” the media coverage against him. He further alleged that journalists were being paid to solicit his response.
“Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more mga ungas,” Gomez wrote in a Facebook post.
NUJP: Seeking comment is part of fair reporting
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) defended reporters, stressing that media requests were part of the standard process of balanced reporting and gave Gomez the opportunity to answer allegations made by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy.
NUJP also raised concerns after Gomez posted screenshots of media workers’ names and phone numbers, warning that the act may constitute a violation of the Data Privacy Act and could expose journalists to harassment or fraud.
“If Gomez preferred to not speak about the issue, a simple ‘no comment’ or lack of response would have sent that message without imputing malice or exposing our colleagues’ private information,” NUJP said in a statement.
Gomez meanwhile had earlier issued a statement on August 19, criticizing a mayor for making corruption allegations against lawmakers.
“It doesn’t surprise me anymore that this so-called ‘clean’ mayor is throwing accusations of corruption at us congressmen,” Gomez said.
Gomez has yet to directly respond to Tacoy’s criticisms regarding his alleged lack of support during recent flooding and his supposed involvement in the flood control structure that collapsed in Matag-ob.
