No Messenger, WhatsApp or In-Person Contact – Ley Gomez Post

Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez has requested that individuals refrain from contacting him via Messenger, WhatsApp, or in person, according to a recent post on his Facebook account. The post, discovered via a Google Alert for “Messenger” on April 29, 2026, does not elaborate on the reason for this request.

The original Facebook post, written in a mix of English and Spanish, reads, “no me hablen por messenger, ni por whats, ni en persona.” This translates to “do not speak to me via messenger, nor WhatsApp, nor in person.” The post also indicates that Gomez and 31 others reacted to the message, garnering 32 comments.

Previous Social Media Controversy

This request follows a previous incident in September 2025, where Gomez apologized to journalists after a Facebook post included their personal contact information. According to a report from ABS-CBN News on September 2, 2025, the post alleged a “media spin” against him following accusations related to flood control projects in his district. The photographs containing the journalists’ names and contact details were subsequently deleted from the post.

The Inquirer reported on September 3, 2025, that Gomez had removed the photos with reporters’ contacts from his Facebook page. This action came after concerns were raised about the privacy and safety of the journalists.

Ethics Committee Response

The House Committee on Ethics announced on Monday, September 2, 2025, that it was “preparing for any complaint” that could arise from Gomez’s social media post, as reported by MetroSundaily. The post was alleged to have “insulted” journalists and exposed their personal information. House panel chairperson and 4PS party-list Rep. JC Abalos stated that the committee was taking steps to prepare for any formal complaint that might be filed.

Abalos refrained from direct comment on the incident, citing concerns about potentially compromising the committee’s proceedings. He also reminded all House members to “consistently observe proper conduct and decorum” and informed media practitioners of their right to pursue civil and criminal actions against any member of Congress, in addition to potential action by the Committee on Ethics.

The controversy stemmed from Gomez’s social media post accusing journalists of participating in an “expensive” media spin after they requested his comment on allegations linking him to a collapsed flood control structure.

It’s currently unclear whether the recent request to avoid contact via Messenger, WhatsApp, or in person is directly related to the previous incident involving the release of journalists’ contact information or the potential ethics complaint. No further details have been provided by Representative Gomez at this time.