PAFI to SIAM on Bantay Radyo conflict: Status quo first before settlement

CEBU, Philippines - The foundation which operates Bantay Radyo will only agree to a settlement with Sarraga Integrating and Management (SIAM) if status quo of the radio station’s operation is maintained.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, PAFI Foundation president, made this statement after lawyers of SIAM and Cebu CFI Community Cooperative Inc. signified to her their intention for a private dispute resolution.

Sanchez-Zaballero said SIAM should return first the “exciters” that were reportedly removed from Bantay Radyo’s three transmitters that forced the station to go off-air since August 1.

Last July 30, the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City restrained CFI from taking over the management and operations of Bantay Radio facilities by granting the temporary restraining order Sanchez-Zaballero sought.

She went to court after SIAM informed her through a letter that it is transferring the right to operate and manage the radio station to CFI.

The court said the act of Sanchez-Zaballero in depositing P700,000 to the account of SIAM on April 10, 2015, representing the initial payment of the extended management agreement, constitutes a tacit renewal of the management agreement.

Following the court order for the return of the transmitters’ parts, Sanchez said she was expecting the SIAM to return the exciters the soonest possible time so Bantay Radyo can resume operations tomorrow.  She expressed worry over the financial losses incurred by the radio station in going off-air because of the issue.

In a joint order dated August 24, 2015, RTC Cebu City Branch 9 granted the application for a writ of preliminary injunction enjoining CFI from taking over the management and operations of Bantay Radyo.

The controversy came on the heels of a notice sent to Sanchez from SIAM telling her that CFI has been awarded by the network to operate and manage the stations starting August 1. This prompted PAFI to file a civil case against SIAM and CFI. —(FREEMAN)