Court stops Bantay Radyo takeover

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court in Cebu City has restrained the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, Inc. from taking over the management and operations of Bantay Radio facilities tomorrow.

RTC Branch 9 Presiding Judge Alexander Acosta granted yesterday the temporary restraining order   sought by Cebu Provincial Board Member Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez-Zaballero, the president of PAFI Foundation, Inc., which is currently operating the radio stations.

The court said the act of Zaballero in depositing P700,000 to the account of the defendant – Sarraga Integrated and Management (SIAM) Group – on April 10, 2015, representing the initial payment of the extended management agreement, constitutes a tacit renewal of the management agreement.

 “Patently, the right of the plaintiff to the management and operations of radio stations and facilities of DYDD (Cebu), DYHH (Hibaiyo), DYZZ (Bogo City) and Bantay Radio still subsists,” read the court order.

 While the June 3, 2015 management agreement entered into by SIAM and CFI takes effect on August 1, 2015, the court has found the urgency to prevent any grave injustice and irreparable injury that may arise.

 The court scheduled the initial hearing of the Preliminary Injunction for August 5, 2015. An additional hearing will be held on August 7, 2015.

 Zaballero said despite several challenges, she remains faithful in her dealings with SIAM.

 “Given our history, we believe we don’t deserve to be dropped just like what they are trying to do now. I have no plans of taking this matter …sitting down,” she told The Freeman.

 Zaballero filed a complaint before the court against SIAM and CFI, which will suppose to take over the operations of the radio station on August 1.

 She said before the expiration of the contract today, PAFI initiated a talk with SIAM in December 2014 for its renewal as legitimate manager and operator of radio stations dyDD or Bantay Radio based in Cebu City, dyHH based in Bogo City, and dyZZ based in Guihulngan, Negros Occidental. (FREEMAN)