DTI sues ABS-CBN over ‘Wowowee’ game mess

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed administrative charges against ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, after it found irregularities in the "Wilyonaryo" segment of the firm’s noontime show "Wowowee". GMA Network’s 24 Oras on Tuesday reported that the DTI-National Capital Region's Area 3 based its complaint on the results of the investigation conducted by a panel led by a bureau under the department. DTI-NCR’s Area 3 has jurisdiction over ABS-CBN, which is located in Quezon City. Assistant Secretary Angel Pelayo, DTI-NCR director, said the agency would wait for ABS-CBN’s reply to the charges. DTI-NCR, which serves as the court in the case, gave ABS-CBN 10 days to answer the charges. “Noong January 11, nagsampa ng formal charge ang Area 3 director ng DTI-NCR sa opisina ko, and the formal charge is versus ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. Nag-send na ng summons, and we are waiting for their reply," Pelayo said DTI-NCR, which serves as the court in the case, gave ABS-CBN 10 days to answer the charges. The department, however, refused to give other details on the charges and the recommendation of the fact-finding panel. The controversial "Wowowee" segment happened in August 2007. DTI created the fact-finding panel on September 13, 2007. The panel is composed of the Consumer Welfare Trade Regulation Group, the DTI’s Bureau of Trade Regulation Consumer Protection, representatives from the Movie Television Review and Classification Board, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, and a consumer group. The panel released its recommendations last November 9, after a two-month investigation. In a statement, ABS-CBN said it was extremely disappointed with DTI's charges. “ABS-CBN categorically denies any wrongdoing or violation of law. ABS-CBN is reiterates…there was a design flaw in the wheels but there was never any intention to gain any advantage over contestants or control the outcome of the contests. ABS-CBN will answer the charges and is confident that it will be absolved of any liability." GMANews.TV is the official web site of GMA News & Public Affairs, a unit of GMA Network. - A. Legaspi, GMANews.TV