ABS-CBN wins support of COPC on Bravo’s Ubusan ng Lahi Interview

October 26, 2008

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

The largest media organization here in Northern Mindanao yesterday slammed Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales for accusing ABS-CBN of violating the law when the television network broadcasted its “Ubusan ng Lahi” interview with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rogue commander Macapaar alias Bravo.

Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) president Jerry Orcullo said Gonzales should again review the Philippine Constitution which specifically provides that the right of the people to information of public interest and/or concerns must at all times be upheld.

He said the COPC joins the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) and the Center for Media Freedom and Respnsibility (CMFR) among other press organizations in the opinion that ABS-CBN violated no law.

“In fact, the ABS-CBN television network should instead be commended for having taken such a risky job, all for information sake,” he said.

COPC director Ed Montalban echoed Orcullo’s words adding that Gonzales is the “Secretary of Injustice” and that this official appointed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should “already retire and rest.”

Former COPC president Uriel Quilinguing for his part said ABS-CBN took a “calculated risk” when it broadcasted Bravo’s challenge to the national government considering that it has postive and negative implications.

“Although we do not know exactly the reasons ABS-CBN used to deciding on its airing, the government will now use Commander Bravo’s statement for its actions.
It however could aggravate the already volatile situation,” he said.

Earlier, Gonzales accused ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. of violating its franchise agreement with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) when it broadcasted the interview it had with the separatist leader.

The NTC on Wednesday filed a complaint against ABS-CBN for allegedly violating the Broadcast Code of 2007 of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

In the complaint, the NTC said ABS-CBN violated the Broadcast Code of 2007, which governs “respect for law and order,” for airing the interview with Bravo. Sections 1 and 2 of the broadcast code states that “broadcast facilities shall not be used or allowed to be used for advocating the overthrow of government by force or violence,” and “the broadcast of materials which tend to incite treason, rebellion, sedition or create civil disorder or disturbance is prohibited.”

Written by admin · Filed Under Cagayan de Oro