Gomez ‘media spin’ claim may be an ethics issue - House leader

Metro Manila, Philippines - Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez's accusation of a "media spin" may be raised with the House of Representatives ethics committee, Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno said on Friday, Aug. 29.

In a social media post, Gomez criticized journalists who asked for his side after Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy linked him to a damaged flood control project. The actor-turned-politician noted that the media questions were similar, saying someone orchestrated and paid them.

Puno said lawmakers should explain to the public as they are accountable to the voters.

“You compound the issue by insulting people,” he said in a press briefing. “As a public official, you are expected to behave and hold yourself to a higher standard than other people.

“We want to be good role models. We don’t want to be examples of what their children should not become,” Puno added.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) told Gomez that getting his side of the story was a favor.

“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' job,” the group said in a statement.

The NUJP said a “no comment” or no response would suffice if Gomez preferred to avoid the issue.

The group also flagged a potential violation of data privacy when Gomez posted screenshots of the journalists’ names and phone numbers.