KBP can't monitor campaign violations, urges self-policing

The Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) has urged broadcast networks to practice self-monitoring to deal with politicians' ads "masquerading" as block-time programs, admitting that it does not have the resources to monitor the ads itself. KBP spokesman lawyer Regie Jularbal said that KBP member stations should keep their own credibility in mind when monitoring such ads and block-time programs. "Sa totoo lang, walang resources ang KBP para i-monitor lahat yan. It is the lookout of the station management or network sila at that level sila mag-monitor or control (To be honest, we lack the resources to monitor all programs. It is the lookout of the station management or network to monitor and control themselves at that level)," Jularbal said in an interview on dzXL radio. He admitted that it is possible that politicians getting ready for the May elections may have "friends" within the broadcasting industry who could help them air block-time programs, aside from airing their own ads on radio and TV. Jularbal noted that present election laws allow politicians running for national office only 180 minutes' air time on radio, and another 180 minutes on television. "Di lang mga bagong papasok, even existing programs pwedeng gamitin ng pulitiko. Reality yan. Pero lookout ng management anong gagawin nila (It is possible politicians may even exploit existing programs to promote themselves. That is a reality. But it is also the lookout of the station or network management to make sure their ethics and credibility will not be compromised)," he said. - TJD, GMANews.TV