MANILA — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has denounced Leyte 4th District’s Cong. Richard Gomez for posting the personal information of reporters who sought his side on allegations tied to flood-control projects, warning that the move endangered journalists and may have breached data privacy laws.
NUJP said Gomez’s Facebook post, which displayed screenshots revealing journalists’ names and phone numbers, “puts them at risk of harassment and fraud.”
The group emphasized that press inquiries are part of the democratic process and an opportunity for accountability.
“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.
The statement followed Gomez’s accusations that the media was orchestrating a “spin” against him after he received similar questions from multiple reporters regarding his office’s coordination with local officials on flood-control projects.
“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,” Gomez wrote.
The questions stemmed from claims by Matag-ob, Leyte mayor Bernie Tacoy, who said Gomez gave “limited support” to the municipality amid flooding.
Tacoy also cast doubt on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ transparency after a section of a flood-control project collapsed, alleging the agency had failed to coordinate with local officials for three years./PN
