LEYTE Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez confirmed he had an altercation with Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma, but also questioned the move of the federation to replace the country’s No. 1 fencer Alexa Larrazabal during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
In an interview with News5, Gomez said he confronted PFA officials to fight for Larrazabal after she was taken out of the women’s individual epee on the eve of the event.
Gomez also claimed that it was Gacuma who escalated the situation.
“Nagkaroon kami ng confrontation dun sa venue ng fencing. Tumawag sa akin ‘yung former national coach namin which is national coach namin sa modern pentathlon. Ang ginawang desisyon, ‘yung No. 1 fencer sa epee, the night before, bigla nilang tinanggal, hindi nila pinalaro," he said.
“Never nangyari sa amin ‘yan na No. 1 fencer ka, tapos hindi ka pinalaro."
On the 'physical attack' Gacuma is alleging, Gomez said, "Eh siya lumalapit sa akin eh.”
“Alangan namang halikan ko siya doon. Kung lumapit siya sa akin, eh ‘di sige, kung ‘yun ang gusto niya, sino ba naman ako para umatras.”
READ: Richard Gomez accused of assault by PH fencing president
Gacuma has accused Gomez of physically attacking him during the SEA Games competition, reporting the incident to Team Philippines’ chef de mission Jose Raul Canlas. Gacuma also plans to file charges against Gomez.
Gomez plans countersuit
A video of the alleged incident is already making rounds on social media, though Gomez said he has yet to see it.
“Hindi ko nakita ‘yung video eh, pero nagkaroon kami ng confrontation habang nag-uusap kami. I was so mad. When the country is fighting for a medal, hindi mo ipapasok ‘yung mahina na player,” he said.
Gomez even said the he will file charges against PFA, claiming the federation bullied Larrazabal months ago.
“Prior to that, months before that, binu-bully nila si Alexa. Sabi ko, you don’t bully an athlete. Wag niyo bastusin mga athlete,” he said. “Fa-file ko rin siya ng kaso for bullying our athlete.”
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