Lito O sues ABS-CBN for not airing his ads

CEBU, Philippines - Senatorial candidate, former Cebu governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña, has filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections Central Office against the management of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation for its alleged refusal to air his Cebuano political advertisements.

In his complaint filed before the legal department of the Comelec-Central Office, Osmeña said that the failure of ABS-CBN to air his political advertisement is a violation of his right to equal access to media time and space.

He was represented by lawyer Batas Mauricio in filing the complaint.

In yesterday’s press conference, Osmeña’s other lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda said the refusal of ABS-CBN to air the political advertisement of his client is a form of discrimination.

 Sepulveda said that they hope Comelec Manila will look into the actions of ABS-CBN.

 Osmeña said his rights to equal access to media time and space is recognized and protected by Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the Fair Elections Act.

 According to Osmeña, his secretary inquired with ABS-CBN Cebu for the rates of TV airtime of political advertisements to be aired in ABS-CBN local station Channel 3 Cebu.

 He said that ABS-CBN Cebu faxed to his office the requested rates.

 The former governor said that with the rates identified, he wanted a 30-second campaign advertisement aired over ABS-CBN Cebu during the TV Patrol Central Visayas program from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., daily except Saturdays and Sundays.

 Osmeña explained that he sent one of his campaign aides, Alex Bolongaita, to the office of ABS-CBN Cebu to give them a CD containing a 30-second campaign advertisement in Cebuano and a check payment for a seven-day placement starting from February 10, 2010.

 An acknowledgement receipt dated February 10, 2010 stated that the check for P95,000 was received by Frank Adlawan of the network’s Admin/Finance Department.

 But according to Osmeña, his political ad material was not aired on February 10, 2010.

 However, ABS-CBN Cebu called his staff and explained that his material in Cebuano language cannot be aired unless its Tagalog version is reviewed.

 Upon hearing this, Osmeña said he was shocked and dumbfounded as he found the requirement to be downright discriminatory against Cebuano-speaking Filipinos.

 Earlier, Osmeña’s certificate of candidacy for senator was disapproved by the Comelec because he and 99 other aspiring senators lack the capability to wage a national campaign.

 But after Osmeña filed his motion for reconsideration, the Comelec reversed and allowed him to pursue his candidacy.

 Osmeña filed his COC as a candidate of Promdi, the party he formed to promote the development of the countryside when he ran for president in 1998.

The management of ABS-CBN Cebu refused to comment on the issue.

Officer-in-charge Leo Lastimosa, in the absence of area manager Tata Cinco-Sy, announced over TV Patrol Central Visayas that it is ABS-CBN Manila who can best comment on the issue as it is the accused.

ABS-CBN Manila has not issued any official statement yet as of yesterday.    — Jose P. Sollano with Jessica Ann R. Pareja (THE FREEMAN)