GMA Network seeks review of COMELEC Resolution No. 9615

GMA Network, Inc. (“GMA” or “the Network”) expressed serious concerns and reservations on certain provisions of Resolution No. 9615, (the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9006 otherwise known as the ‘Fair Election Act’) (the “New Rules”), affecting the broadcast industry.

In a letter dated January 23, 2013, GMA, through its Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Pacifico A. Agabin, Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Ma. Luz P. Delfin, and Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion and Lucila Law Office urged the Honorable Commission to recall and revisit said provisions based on certain procedural and substantive concerns.  

GMA raised its concern on the manner of passage of Resolution No. 9615 as COMELEC did not conduct any public hearing especially among those affected by the resolution. GMA noted that the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines requires due notice to all interested parties as well as an opportunity for the same to be heard.

Considering that substantive rights of various parties shall be affected by the New Rules, GMA questioned the propriety of its promulgation without public participation.

Iligan City Expresses Gratitude to GMA Network

Iligan City Mayor Lawrence LL. Cruz recently released a three-page resolution to express the province’s deep gratitude to broadcast leader GMA Network and its socio-civic arm GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) for the latter’s quick and comprehensive response when typhoon Sendong caused catastrophic damage in Southern Philippines last December 2011.

The said tropical cyclone claimed the lives of more than a thousand people and left more than 15,000 houses in the South either completely or partially damaged.