Gomez Faces Probe After Doxxing Journalists in Flood Control Project Controversy

Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez

Gomez Faces Probe After Doxxing Journalists in Flood Control Project Controversy

By Wilma N. Yamzon TheNationWeek.Com | September 1, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Already under scrutiny for alleged kickbacks in flood control projects, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez is now embroiled in an ethics scandal after publicly releasing the contact information of journalists he accused of a biased “media spin.”

The move, widely perceived as a blatant act of intimidation, has prompted calls for a formal ethics investigation, with Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno leading the probe.

The controversy erupted after Gomez, a former actor turned politician, posted on Facebook the names of reporters allegedly being paid to solicit his response to criticism from Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy.

Tacoy had accused Gomez of neglecting to coordinate flood control initiatives with the local government, alleging that the lawmaker’s projects were ineffective.

Instead of directly addressing Tacoy’s accusations or answering media inquiries, Gomez exposed journalists, a move many see as a violation of ethical boundaries and an attempt to stop critical reporting.

“Elected officials must be prepared to address inquiries about their actions,” Puno said as he urged the House ethics committee to review Gomez’s conduct.

“You cannot simply insult people when faced with questions that require your explanation as a legislator,” he pointed out.

He encouraged journalists named by Gomez to file formal complaints, stressing the high standard of conduct expected of public officials.

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) echoed Puno’s concerns.

“Mr. Gomez could have simply declined to comment without resorting to disclosing personal information about journalists,” the NUJP stated, explaining that media inquiries provide an opportunity for public officials to clarify their positions and address public concerns.

Puno reiterated the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor for public officials.

“Public officials must conduct themselves in a manner that reinforces the public’s trust,” he said.

The House ethics committee is now facing mounting pressure to determine whether Gomez’s conduct warrants disciplinary action.

Gomez, whose past includes a stint as a McDonald’s service crew member before his acting career took off, is married to Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres.