Calapan City Prosecutor dismisses libel charges against Howie Severino and GMA News Research head

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, dismissed a complaint for libel filed by Doctor Idol Bondoc of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH) against GMA News Online Editor-in-Chief and GMA News and Public Affairs personality Howie Severino, and GMA News Research Head Florian Balmes for insufficiency of evidence.

Bondoc filed a complaint against Severino, Balmes, and his colleague, Dr. Rosinico Fabor, last September 5, 2011 after Fabor posted allegedly defamatory remarks on the comments section of a GMA News Online website article regarding the Ombudsman’s decision on a previous administrative case involving Bondoc. It was claimed by Bondoc that GMA News Online served as a vehicle for Fabon to destroy his reputation as a medical professional, and that he was not given equal opportunity to air his side of the story.

In the Resolution dated November 13, 2012, Deputy City Prosecutor Gabriel C. Alberto noted that the comments made by the readers of GMA News Online were not edited or subjected to prior approval before posting. Considering that neither Severino nor Balmes had the power to edit or approve comments on the website, and considering further that sufficient guidelines on proper posting of comments were available on the website, it was determined that they should not be held liable for any reactions sent by its readers.

Meanwhile, City Deputy Prosecutor Alberto found probable cause to charge Dr. Fabon with libel and recommended the filing of the corresponding information in court.

Doc thanks I-Witness during Davao docufest

For Dr. Rizal Aportadera, founder of the Mindanao Burn Center, the recently concluded I-Witness Docufest in Davao City was more than just a chance to watch first rate documentaries from GMA-7’s flagship documentary program. It was a chance for him to personally thank the men and women behind the documentary “Lapnos” by Jay Taruc.

“Lapnos,” which recently brought home the Silver Medal in the 2012 New York Festival, tells of the harrowing tales of burn victims from the Mindanao Burn Center.

It was one of the eight documentaries showcased in the third leg of the I-Witness docufest Regional Tour held last Sunday, August 12, at the Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall in Davao City.

In the event, Dr. Aportadera explained how people started to take notice of the Center after watching the documentary. He further added how donations started pouring in to help the burn victims. 

GMA Network enhances TV experience with the most interactive media web portal in the Philippines

While GMA Network, Inc. continues its dominance in nationwide TV ratings, the media company has also become the frequent hub of millions of Kapuso netizens in the country and all over the world with its comprehensive content and its highly interactive media experience.

GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon says that the media portal perfectly complements the Company's broadcast operations. "Since it was launched eight months ago, GMANetwork.com, the most comprehensive media portal in the country, has enabled visitors to easily access the latest in news and information, as well as updates on the Company’s digital properties.”

I-Witness Docufest goes to Davao City

After the successful kick-off in Cebu and following the well-attended screening in Iloilo last month, GMA-7’s multi-awarded documentary program I-Witness gears up for the third leg of its docufest regional tour on Sunday, August 12, in Davao City. 

Together with I-Witness’ multi-awarded documentarists—Howie Severino, Kara David, Jay Taruc, and Sandra Aguinaldo—watch one riveting documentary after another starting 12 noon at Gaisano Mall Cinema 5.

GMA’s I-Witness kicks off Docufest Regional Tour

In celebration of its 13th year, GMA-7’s flagship documentary program I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries returns to the big screen! Catch GMA’s finest documentaries in a series of documentary festivals in key cities all around Visayas and Mindanao—a first in the regions.

From a community who risk their lives in search for gold, to the harrowing condition of burn patients in a hospital and to people who live around rail-road tracks facing an imminent demolition … these acclaimed documentaries bring to light important social issues reflecting our society.