For Dong: Shift from '2' to '4'?

Press Secretary Ricardo "Dong" Puno mulls reviving his weekly television talk show "Dong Puno Live" but added he may have to shift networks from ABS-CBN Channel 2 to the government-owned PTV Channel 4.

Puno said he believed he has to sustain his weekly TV program to maintain his links with the broadcast industry.

Puno, who took his oath as both Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman last April 14, held the last episode of his show two weeks ago.

He also ceased writing a column for the Philippine STAR following his entry into government service.

Puno also cited mounting complaints from the public about too much broadcast time given by Channel 4 to legal gambling activities such as lotto, bingo and jai alai games, some of which were being aired on prime time.

While he acknowledged that the complaints were valid, the government could not simply cut down the programs' air time because they are "money-makers."

He also noted that there was much to be desired in the overall programming of Channel 4.

He said he has discussed the network's officials his plan to lessen the air time for bingo and jai alai.

Two other members of the Estrada Cabinet - Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim and Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado - have their own TV programs.

Lim's show entitled "Katapat" is being aired on Wednesdays over ABS-CBN Channel 2, while Mercado has his "Kontak" over ABC Channel 5 also on Wednesdays.

Puno shrugged off allegations that he was silently preparing for his bid to run for the Senate in next year's elections, saying the issue could be raised against him before the Commission on Appointments.

Meanwhile, Malacañang sources said Puno was trying to persuade his friend, Channel 7 executive vice president Antonio Seva, to be his undersecretary for broadcast.

On the other hand, veteran newspaperman Noel Cabrera will remain as undersecretary for print.