Richard Gomez to NHA: 'I want the best for my constituents'ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez is unfazed over the threat of National Housing Authority (NHA) employees to file oral defamation charges against him over his statement that substandard housing units were built for earthquake victims in Barangay Gaas in this city. Gomez said he invited NHA manager Marcelino Escalada to come here to see for himself the quality of hollow blocks used and settle the issue. On Escalada’s challenge to the city government to cancel the permit it issued for the housing project, Gomez said he only wanted the NHA to ensure no substandard material will be used. A word war between Gomez and the NHA erupted after videos showing the mayor inspecting housing units and expressing his frustration when he found out that substandard materials were used were posted on social media. Gomez had earlier ordered an investigation after he was shown a video of brown hollow blocks at the site, which reportedly crumbled when picked up.

Source: Philippine Star October 03, 2018 15:45 UTC