Censors to sue GMA-7 over spoof

Manila Standard

By Rio N. Araja

THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board plans to sue GMA Network Inc. and a broadcast journalist for using the Philippine flag and the presidential seal on the weekly public service program Wish Ko Lang.

In a letter dated March 5, board chairman Ma. Consoliza Laguardia complained to GMA Network’s senior vice president, Wilma Galvante, that the show’s use of the flag and presidential seal violated the law.

In its Feb. 28 episode, the show paid tribute to Herman Nicolas, a 78-year-old shoe-shine attendant who polished the shoes of the Presidential Security Group in Malacañang.

Stand-up comedian Ate Glow did an impression of President Arroyo recognizing Nicolas’ hard work on an improvised stage in front of a podium beside the presidential seal and a flag.

“The presidential seal is a symbol for the exclusive use of the President and Vice President and no other officials,” Laguardia said.

She said she wanted the network to execute an “undertaking” to issue a public apology, but the network executives, represented by Lani de la Cruz and Lyn Delfin, rejected the offer.

“The chairperson was shocked by the network’s stance. We never had a hard time demanding an apology from its officers and talents in the past,” said the board’s legal counsel, Jonathan Presquito.

“We are preparing a suit to be filed with the Quezon City prosecutor’s office,”he said.

“Our board will have to approve and recommend who to name as respondents. We are looking into the liability of the other network officials. [Vicky] Morales, the program host, may be included. Let us wait for the board’s recommendation.”

Presquito said the board had the power to shut down or suspend the airing of any program. The unauthorized use of the presidential seal was punishable by six to 12 years in jail.

Wish Ko Lang, which went on air in July 2002, has won the Catholic Mass Media Award, the PMPC Star Award, and the UP Gandingan Award.

Frivolous lawsuit.
MTRCB should be scrapped.

Yup! That's clamping down on Freedom of Expression to the nth degree!

F u c k Censorship!

iyan ang lagi ko'ng sinasabi.

Well, AS what they say , For every freedom there must be responsibility!!!!!