GMA Network Statement – Feb. 2, 2008
ABS-CBN SHAMELESS IN ITS EFFORTS TO DISCREDIT GMA NETWORK
"Shameless, malicious fiction delivered by tainted informers with an axe to grind."
This is how Radio GMA (RGMA) President Mike Enriquez describes the latest attempt by ABS-CBN to drag him into the issue of alleged TV ratings manipulation.
On TV Patrol Friday night, (February 1) two former Radio GMA Iloilo employees were presented --- Romie Diamanse and Francis Casumpang --- both claiming that Mike Enriquez and two other officers were calling the shots in an alleged attempt to rig TV and Radio ratings in Iloilo City. The claim was Enriquez allegedly gave the order to cheat in a meeting.
Radio GMA President Mike Enriquez denies the accusation. In an official statement, Enriquez said "I would like to reiterate GMA Network's stand that it has never conducted any special operation to manipulate TV and Radio ratings in its favor, I (also) vehemently deny presiding in any meeting regarding ratings manipulation and/or special operations in Iloilo or anywhere else."
Enriquez expressed disappointment at the latest attack done by ABS CBN in its running campaign to discredit GMA Network, "These allegations are calculated and orchestrated to besmirch the reputation of broadcasters like me, and are an insult to the intelligence of the millions of viewers who placed their trust in us."
GMA Network notes that what was telling was why and how ABS-CBN failed to mention in its one-sided report on TV Patrol that both Diamanse and Casumpang left Radio GMA Iloilo under a cloud.
Diamanse --- who used to be the program director of Radio GMA Iloilo resigned in 2006. Radio GMA Management welcomed his resignation because he was regarded as ineffective in his duties.
Casumpang --- who was also a former program director of Radio GMA Iloilo, resigned in 2003, after he was discovered to have pocketed advertising payments meant for Radio GMA Iloilo. Casumpang, admitted the embezzlement but only after he was confronted with the fact that the advertisers themselves had already bared the truth about what happened. The concerned advertisers --- when asked to pay for their radio ads --- reported to Radio GMA Iloilo that their payments were already given to Casumpang. Casumpang admitted in a signed letter that he spent the advertising payments instead of remitting them.
Casumpang now works for ABS CBN as a DJ for their MOR Radio Station in Iloilo.
GMA Network stresses that ABS CBN should have done what responsible broadcasters and journalists do: check and double check sources before placing them on the air.
One ABS CBN informer, ex-Radio GMA Bacolod Program Director Donard Nojas, was fired for sexual harassment, going AWOL and for working in a competiting Radio Station while working for Radio GMA.
Another ABS CBN informer, ex-Radio GMA Bacolod Station Manager Fred Alijaga resigned after being found ineffective and after he was discovered to have lied about his real age.
Radio GMA Bacolod's AM Station was closed down last year in streamlining operations. GMA Network has no originating TV station in Bacolod City.
ABS CBN, invoking press freedom, has used this opportunity to launch a trial by publicity against GMA Network. Despite appeals from advertisers and viewers to allow the matter to be resolved in court as it should be --- ABS CBN continues to use its programs to broadcast the dubious claims of mercenaries and people who have axes to grind against Radio GMA and GMA Network. Consequently, GMA Network has been forced to defend itself, also on the air. (30)