NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NUJP To Rep. Richard Gomez: Media Requests Are Fairness, Not 'Spin'
Photo credit: Richard “Goma” Gomez
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has expressed alarm over Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez’s remarks and actions against reporters who sought his comment on a collapsed flood control structure in Matag-ob, Leyte.
On August 28, Gomez took to Facebook to air his frustrations, posting screenshots of private messages from journalists and media workers who had asked for his side. Alongside the screenshots, he wrote: “Mahal din itong media spin na ginagawa nila against me. Look at the similarities of the different socmeds and agencies asking questions. Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more mga ungas.”
In his post, Gomez claimed the similarity of questions showed that “someone is orchestrating” the reporters’ efforts, further alleging that media were being paid to seek his comment.
The NUJP, however, stressed that such requests are a standard part of responsible reporting, and in fact, favor Gomez. “Being asked for his side gives Rep. Gomez the opportunity to respond to allegations, including those raised by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy regarding his supposed lack of support during the floods. If he wished not to respond, a simple ‘no comment’ would have sent that message,” the group said.
What NUJP found most concerning was Gomez’s decision to post the names and phone numbers of media workers. The group pointed out that exposing their private information not only violates data privacy but also puts them at risk of harassment and fraud.
“Despite ongoing reflections within the media community about its practices, dismissing legitimate questions as ‘bias’ or ‘spin’ will only go so far,” NUJP emphasized. “Journalists are doing their job by seeking all sides. Public officials, in turn, have the choice to answer—or not—without endangering reporters.”
On August 28, Gomez took to Facebook to air his frustrations, posting screenshots of private messages from journalists and media workers who had asked for his side. Alongside the screenshots, he wrote: “Mahal din itong media spin na ginagawa nila against me. Look at the similarities of the different socmeds and agencies asking questions. Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more mga ungas.”
In his post, Gomez claimed the similarity of questions showed that “someone is orchestrating” the reporters’ efforts, further alleging that media were being paid to seek his comment.
The NUJP, however, stressed that such requests are a standard part of responsible reporting, and in fact, favor Gomez. “Being asked for his side gives Rep. Gomez the opportunity to respond to allegations, including those raised by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy regarding his supposed lack of support during the floods. If he wished not to respond, a simple ‘no comment’ would have sent that message,” the group said.
What NUJP found most concerning was Gomez’s decision to post the names and phone numbers of media workers. The group pointed out that exposing their private information not only violates data privacy but also puts them at risk of harassment and fraud.
“Despite ongoing reflections within the media community about its practices, dismissing legitimate questions as ‘bias’ or ‘spin’ will only go so far,” NUJP emphasized. “Journalists are doing their job by seeking all sides. Public officials, in turn, have the choice to answer—or not—without endangering reporters.”
Aug 29, 2025
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