Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez has quietly removed from his Facebook page screenshots showing the names and contact numbers of journalists who had reached out to get his side on a brewing controversy over damaged flood control projects.
As of Tuesday, his post accusing media outlets of a supposed “spin” remained online, but the sensitive screenshots—taken from private exchanges with reporters and desk officers—were no longer visible, according to a report by Inquirer.net.
The backlash began after Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy alleged on August 28 that Gomez mishandled flood control initiatives, claiming the projects were poorly coordinated with local government. Tacoy further asserted that the funds for these flawed works came from congressional allocations under Gomez.
Inquirer.net and other news agencies sought Gomez’s response. While he replied, Gomez asked not to be quoted and instead shared a link to a radio program that, notably, did not feature him. Shortly after, he uploaded the screenshots of conversations with reporters without blurring their personal details, prompting immediate outrage from media groups.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and House reporters denounced the act, stressing that requests for comment are meant to give public officials a fair chance to clarify issues—not to put journalists at risk. Inquirer.net also formally appealed for the removal of the posts, saying:
“We ask, in the interest of constructive dialogue, responsible discourse, and the broader principles of press freedom, that Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez kindly take down or redact any posts displaying personal information of journalists.”
Lawmakers have since weighed in. Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno urged media organizations to elevate the matter to the House ethics committee, emphasizing that public officials must answer questions, not avoid them. “That cannot be allowed,” he said. “You’re a legislator. You explain.”
Other House members, including 4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos, confirmed that the ethics panel is preparing for any complaint that may arise. Meanwhile, members of the Makabayan bloc called Gomez’s actions a direct affront to press freedom, pointing out the incident ironically happened during National Press Freedom Day.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio lamented the “doxxing of journalists who were simply doing their job,” while Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co warned that the disclosure of reporters’ personal information “constitutes a direct threat to media workers.”
