House Infrastructure Committee (InfraComm) said the panel’s investigation into flood control and other infrastructure initiatives may include the damaged project in the district of Leyte Representative Richard Gomez.

Gomez is a known supporter of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

InfraComm Co-chair Representative Terry Ridon Ridon said that project can be included in the probe, particularly if part of the project collapsed within the expected duration that it would last. I think more or less infrastructure projects should not be damaged within a span of five years. So if damage was reported within five years, perhaps we really need to look into it.)

Matag-ob Leyte Mayor Bernie G. Tacoy linking Gomez to the project.

Ridon said the House InfraComm may investigate the issue after it receives a report from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We’ll get the report from DPWH kung kamusta ba yyung nangyari talaga diyan. What is the story behind it? (But) I think that can be a subject of an inquiry,” Ridon said.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno said an ethics complaint can be brought against Gomez over his remarks accusing journalists of being paid hacks.

Gomez has made an online post showing screen grabs of requests for interviews from media, including journalists’ names and cellphone numbers, after he was asked to comment on allegations of flood control projects in his district being substandard.

“Absolutely, I encourage you to bring it before the Ethics Committee here. Hindi na pwede iyong mga gan’un (These things should not continue). I mean, you are asked to explain something, you’re a legislator, you explain. Kaya tayo naging legislator dahil tingin ng tao, marunong tayo magpaliwanag (That is why we became legislators because people believe we know how to explain things),” Puno said.

In the midst of the controversy, Gomez took to Facebook on Thursday evening to post screenshots of messages from journalists from different news outlets who were asking for his statement or an interview in connection with the damaged flood control project in Matag-ob town.

“Alam na alam mong merong nagkukumpas. Alam na alam mong ginastusan. Ayus ahhhh. Gastos pa more mga ungas,” he added.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Friday called out Gomez over his Facebook post, reminding the lawmaker that the media asking for his side on the issue actually favors him.

“The requests give him a chance to address allegations made by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy, who has also criticized him for alleged lack of support during heavy flooding, and making them is part of journalists’ jobs,” the NUJP said.

When asked about the possible filing of an ethics complaint against Gomez in connection with his online post, Ridon said it is up to the media to decide.