|
Monday, April 21, 2003
'Gikan sa Masa...' still a no-show
THE television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has been off the air for the second straight Sunday.
No explanation has been given for its sudden cancellation or when it will resume, if ever.
TV Patrol Mindanao Anchor Girlie Balaba could also not be contacted through her mobile phone but an ABS-CBN employee said Balaba might report back to work Monday.
An insider said that ABS-CBN Davao is still waiting for the decision of their big bosses in Manila as to the fate of Balaba.
"Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" was said to have been unceremoniously taken off air by the City Government of Davao after Balaba allegedly exposed in a news report aired over TV Patrol Mindanao and Maayong Buntag Mindanao the identity of the confidential agent who identified the suspects in the March 4 bombing of the Davao International Airport and the April 2 Sasa wharf explosion.
Duterte was said to have been so angered by the report he immediately cancelled the show that was earning a substantial amount for the local station.
Viewers of the popular TV show, however, say the show must be aired anew -- if not on ABS-CBN, then on another television network.
The Rosal family said they like Duterte cussing on all criminals.
"Iba ang dating pag si mayor ang guest lalo na pag nagmumura sya. Umeepekto sa mga concerned," they said.
Glenn Escandor of the Royal Mandaya Hotel, City Councilor Bonifacio Militar and AFP-PNP Press Corps 11 President Peng Aliño said they are avid watchers of the TV show and that it should be re-aired since most Dabawenyos want to get the news straight from the mayor's mouth.
Lawyer Edison Batacan however said that it all depends upon Duterte saying it is the mayor's prerogative. Philippine Star Reporter Edith Regalado on the other hand said the show must continue but with some reformatting that would cover other areas of governance and not just peace and order.
"The program in a way has brought city hall closer to the people by making them feel part of the entire system," Regalado said.
She added however that a careful study should be made on the costs incurred by the city government in running the show as against its benefits.
Editha Caduaya of the Daily Mirror added that the city government should assess its priorities. She said the City Information Office could well do the job of getting across to the Dabawenyos the programs and services of the Duterte administration.
Though there was no formal and scientific survey made on the people's opinion on the re-airing of the controversial TV program most of those asked of their opinions agreed that "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" should be aired back.
"Kung ayaw ni mayor sa ABS-CBN e di sa GMA na lang," a GMA-5 viewer said. BOT
(April 21, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
