Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez may face an ethics complaint after he was caught on CCTV allegedly manhandling Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a man believed to be Gomez punching another man wearing an official Philippine SEA Games shirt.
Gacuma later confirmed in a letter of complaint to Philippine SEA Games Chef de Mission Raul Canlas that the incident occurred on Dec. 16 at Fashion Island, the competition venue, where Gomez, a director of the fencing association, allegedly confronted him over the replacement of national athlete Alexa Larrazabal in the individual women’s epee event.
Lawyer and former lawmaker Antonio Tinio Ridon said the incident warrants disciplinary action from Congress, stressing that legislators are expected to observe proper conduct at all times.
Ridon said Gomez’s alleged actions could undermine the reputation and dignity of the House of Representatives.
Reports said Gacuma intends to file an ethics complaint against the actor-turned-lawmaker, noting that there would be no settlement or apology from either party.
Gacuma said the athlete replacement was unanimously approved by the PFA board based on coaching staff recommendations, citing unauthorized absences and failure to submit required documents.
Gomez’s office has yet to comment on the incident. In a separate media report, the lawmaker said it was Gacuma who approached him and that he plans to file bullying charges against the association on behalf of Larrazabal.
Gomez and his daughter Juliana both represented the Philippines at the games, with Gomez competing in shooting and his daughter in fencing.
