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Monday, September 20, 2004
Mongaya: Media unity
By ANOL MONGAYA
THE 2004 Press Freedom Week festivities began with a bang yesterday with the biggest turnout of members of the working press. The opening activities usher a week of parties, raffles, and great food that Cebu journalists look forward to.
But the purpose is not mere enjoyment. I believe that the Cebu experience is a better way of consolidating journalist unity against threats to press freedom.
* * *
The threats are many. The gory indicator is the body count of 56 dead since Filipinos regained political freedom in 1986.
Nevertheless, the sensational attacks against members of Cebu media happened before 1986. The first incident was the death of Antonio Abad Tormis. An assassin’s bullet killed him in 1961 because of his tirades against corruption in City Hall.
* * *
Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s reported plan to close down GMA 7 as part of his campaign against the KBP has made him a threat to press freedom and the freedom of expression. The mayor wants to silence the media, which has been criticizing his excesses.
He likewise expressed anger over the refusal to grant Cebu City Hall advertising space. But this is a result of the mayor’s refusal to pay what City Hall owes KBP member stations.
Mayor Osmeña describes his moves as pursuing the interest of Cebu City. But we know that he simply does not want to pay for airtime used by the administration of former mayor Alvin Garcia. The mayor already won twice against Garcia, but he still could not swallow the prospect of paying for the former mayor’s publicity campaigns in 2001.
According to the mayor, he is not afraid of the media. But media is not trying to cow him into submission. Mayor Osmeña is actually trying to intimidate the Cebu media.
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The prominent sponsorships by telecommunication companies like Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and Bayantel of Press Freedom Week activities indicate the intense competition within the industry. Way magpaalkanse. It also shows that some sectors of the economy flourishing.
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Another player, the Sun Cellular, has reportedly continued its aggressiveness in efforts to catch up with the leaders. According to Mactan customs sources, the company has continued importing equipment for its cell sites.
This development has delighted Mactan customs officials because the sub-port carried on with hitting the collection target every month. This early, Mactan Collector Ding Dayoja proudly pointed out that he had already exceeded the collection target.
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Despite the financial crisis that hit the country in recent years, it is comforting to note that a homegrown company has registered positive growth. We are talking about the Norkis Group of Companies owned by a motorcycle magnate and philanthropist Norberto Quisumbing Jr.
Norkis is already part of the landscape of the bustling Cebu economy located in Mandaue City. It is among the pioneer industries in Mandaue City along with San Miguel Corp. that was lured to the city by the late Demetrio Cortes due to low taxes and efficient public service.
But what I heard is disturbing. Norkis has begun moving out of Mandaue City and established a multi-million investment in nearby Compostela.
Compostela is reportedly more investment friendly and does not mix politics with investments. Its local officials take extra effort in giving special treatment to investors.
This is a big set back to Mayor Teddy Ouano’s initiative to attract investors to Mandaue and also on its coffers. Norkis over the last nine years paid a total of P35 million in taxes to Mandaue City.
What is this we heard that relatives of the Mayor are cornering the juicy businesses in Mandaue City?
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The victory of Consolacion Councilor Alfie Ouano in the hotly contested Philippine Councilors’ League election last week shows the strength of Gov. Gwen Garcia. However, this political strength could be attributed to the support of Reps. Sim Kintanar and Eddie Gullas along with the backing of the Duranos.
Former senator John Osmeña’s support for Medellin Councilor Micmic Miranda is not enough to make him win. JHO could only muster the support of Reps. Antonio Yapha and Mandaue City Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.
(e-mail: superbalita@ sunstar.com.ph and anol_cebu@hotmail.com cell phone: 09179761193)
(September 20, 2004 issue)
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