KBP steps into Lastimosa, Pablo John row

The Cebu chapter of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster sa Pilipinas has stepped into the conflict between one of its officials, Leo Lastimosa of dyAB, and Capitol consultant Pablo John Garcia.

Last Friday, KBP Cebu chapter president Edward Abad has invited Garcia to a meeting at Patio Isabel Restaurant to thresh out the "perceived" conflict between Garcia and Lastimosa who made some commentaries against Governor Gwen Garcia and Cebu International Convention Center.

Abad feared that the conflict might be blown out of proportion and could result to personal attacks. Garcia is also handling a radio program over dyHP.

While Abad tried to patch things up, Lastimosa and Garcia both expressed disagreements on Capitol issues.

"I think we can agree to disagree and that's okay with me," Garcia told Lastimosa and the members of KBP.

Lastimosa explained that his commentaries against Gov. Garcia had no malice, citing even his good observations on her "Suroy-suroy sa Sugbo" program.

Garcia has complained that in one of his commentaries, Lastimosa said the provincial government has been paying some reporters. Although he said Lastimosa's allegation has no basis, Garcia challenged the commentator to name those reporters who are under the payroll of the Capitol.

Lastimosa asked Garcia why the Capitol barred him from doing the television newscast at the CICC, saying "walay balaudnon nagdili niya isip usa ka tax payer."

But Garcia said, "salikwaot tan-awon nga sigi ug panaway si Lastimosa unya adto siya mag-newscast sa TV Patrol." The exchange of opinions, however, ended up with handshakes.

Abad asked both personalities for a "temporary ceasefire" in the spirit of Christmas. He, however, stressed that this does not mean that Lastimosa is barred from doing commentaries against the governor, saying that Lastimosa should also give the Garcias the right to respond. - Ramil V. Ayuman/LPM