CEBU CITY – Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez was apologetic at first then went ballistic, lashing back at a town mayor who linked him to an alleged anomalous flood control project.

“To members of the press who took offense in my social media post, I apologize,” Gomez started his privilege speech at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

“Sensitive information has since been removed. I understand that the media endeavored to get my side of the story. I acknowledge your efforts. I am sorry and I could have handled it better,” Gomez said, referring to his Facebook post alleging a “media spin” when reporters sought comment regarding the accusation hurled against him by Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy.

Gomez’s post accompanied screenshots of the text messages sent to him by various media representatives.

He has since edited the post, removing the screenshots that also showed the names and the contact numbers of the reporters.

After apologizing, Gomez then vented his ire on Tacoy.

“While fixing our flooding issue needs to be the top priority for government today, Mayor Bernie Tacoy of Matag-ob, Leyte exploits this viral topic by sensationalizing false information to the media,” Gomez said.

Gomez recalled that in an interview with a radio station in Tacloban City, Tacoy complained that the Matag-ob flood control project was destroyed for being substandard.

“To set the facts straight, we asked DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and they clarified that the reason why the FC wall was damaged is because the project is not yet completed. The project was started on Feb. 21, 2025 and is expected to be completed on Nov 27, 2025, after an extension of 60 calendar days,” he said.

Gomez denied that the local government unit of Matag-ob was not consulted when the project commenced.

He presented a picture showing DPWH personnel supposedly paying Tacoy a courtesy call to inform him about the project on Jan. 16.

Gomez debunked Tacoy’s allegation that the DPWH did not get a building permit.

“We asked DPWH and they said that building permits are required for buildings only, pero hindi ito building, flood control po ito. There is no need for an occupancy permit because no one lives in a flood control project. What is needed though is a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the DENR which was procured on Sept. 2, 2024, months before the start of the project in February 2025,” Gomez said.

Gomez noted that 25 meters of the 322-meter project was damaged on Aug. 25 because of heavy rains. He said the damage was understandable as the project is yet to be completed.

“The primary reason for this is because – the project is still not complete. Hindi pa talaga tapos,” Gomez said.

Gomez presented other flood control projects in his district.

He said he is open to scrutiny, insisting that all control projects in his district are aboveboard.

“I have here the full list of flood control projects in the district since 2022, and I factually say none of the complete projects have been damaged, save for this unfinished project. I invite anyone with any doubt about any anomalies in flood control projects in the district I represent to scrutinize the documents, and actual projects,” Gomez said.

“Moreover, the COA had already inspected this very project. Findings would be available from DPWH or COA. If ever any verified anomalies surface, I would gladly face the issue. But until then, I highly recommend, especially to Mayor Tacoy, to please exercise caution,” he said.

Gomez highlighted the need for accountability and integrity of work “across all professions, not just lawmakers” but “we cannot simply weaponize popular issues like this to make baseless accusations on just anybody.”

He reiterated that proper coordination and necessary government documents for the purpose of constructing government projects were secured before the project started.

“Kaya napakalaking kalokohan ang ginawa ni Mayor Tacoy na paglinlang sa press at sa tao ukol sa ongoing flood control program. Dahil sa misinformation na binigay niya nilunok ito ng publiko as ‘gospel truth’ sa lahat ng mga lumabas na interview niya sa radio at TV,” he said.

Gomez touched on the possible filing of an ethics complaint against him and addressed his controversial remarks against Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“Then comes the issue of ethics. I looked up the meaning of ethics online and it says, ‘Ethics is the study of what is morally right and wrong, good and bad involving systems of moral principles and values. It includes examining our values, principles, and purposes to determine how we should live and interact with others, ensuring fairness, respect for rights, and the minimization of harm,’” he said.

“That was my contention when I called out Mayor Magalong of Baguio City when he was issuing blanket statements implying that all congressmen are corrupt. By all means, Mistah, call out corruption, that is both a responsibility and a moral duty. But one must draw the line when it comes to generalizations. It is irresponsible to make the fault of one apply to all,” he added.

Gomez said if an ethics complaint will be filed against him, the House also must also look into the budget that has been passed since 2022.

“Kung mag ethics committee man lang, isalang na din yung nag katay ng budget ng ilang taon since 2022. The same standards should apply to all. No sacred cows. You speak of ethics when one rises to defend his name from baseless allegations, all the more ethics should come into play when a whole institution is tarnished over the lack of accountability of some,” he said.

“Let us review how the last budget was crafted. How it was butchered. And that is not loose talk because no less than the president of the Republic of the Philippines has called it out. This is where the uproar is rooted upon.”