My First Statement in Defense of GMA-7

January 25, 2008. Even I'm quite sleepy, I made sure I post this entry for this is, as we call it in the media industry, BREAKING NEWS.

I just received a Friendster message from a schoolmate from Marisyl who was ahead of me for two years. I prefer to disclose his identity since he wrote:

"dude how can your network claimed it as “walang kinikilingan, walang pinoproktektahan”? if they cant stand it firm against a not so big religious group in diliman.. gma should be ashamed of themselves. your updated right? then investigate -(not my comment. it came from a neigborhood friend, just take it constructively.. peace.)"

As I was reading this, well, I got anxious and disturbed since he is attacking my home network. At the same time I tried to compose myself since I wanted to be more mature and more prudent in my actions so I gathered my thoughts to reply to what he is stating. In only a few minutes, I finally drafted a reply note and had it printed so that my family could check it for form and substance. The reply note reads:

"I'm very sorry I am not in the position to comment on that issue since I am a talent under contract and my views are not, in any way, representative of GMA Network's stand on such matters. But since I work for the Kapuso network, I opted to reply to your message as courtesy, and just to air my side of such concerns.

"I regret to inform you that I am not updated to the issue being raised since I do not know of the Network being linked to an issue with "a not-so-big religious group in Diliman" as you have, or your friend had mentioned. All I know is that the Network is facing allegations of cheating behind the ratings gathered by AGB Nielsen (which I would not dare to comment on).

"As far as I know, we in the News and Public Affairs group try our best to give objective and credible news as this is our way of doing public service. As for me, I’m doing my own share in serving God and the viewers. I may not generalize but I know of a few people like me who adhere to the Network’s core values of “placing God above all” and “upholding integrity and transparency” among others.

Thank you very much and may God bless you.

All the best,
[my name]"

I was so glad that God was still in control and gave me a humble spirit. Everyone knows that I flare up when I receive these kinds of messages especially in SMS. But He would not want to let me start a fight since I know I still represent GMA-7 even though I am still a contract worker in the Network.

Surprisingly, this is the first time I rebutted to an allegation in writing. Maybe it's because this is the first time I received a mail of such content. The issue on ratings are directly asked to me in person, face to face. Not bad for a first timer, a small-time employee to formally answer a direct message regarding his large-scale employer. In my assessment, I handled it charmingly by God's grace. Nevertheless, I am not looking forward to be handling Corporate Communications for the Network. What I do hope is that mails like this would be the FIRST and the LAST...