Napocor: PS banner unfair

Please allow us to bring to your attention what we think is a highly unfair banner headline in the July 17 issue of The Philippine STAR — “NPC: So what if P62-K firm got P956-M deal?”

We have asked several people to comment on this and there is unanimity of view that as written, the headline tended to project NPC as an arrogant, insensitive company that has adopted an “I-don’t-care-what-you-say” attitude. Whether intended or not, there is no mistaking the malice that crept into its phraseology that, we believe, was meant to arouse curiosity and attract public attention.

Ironically, the story itself had a fairly objective treatment of the letter I sent to you earlier which explained the circumstances behind the award of a coal contract to a joint venture company. We hold the same assessment with respect to your follow-up story that saw print today. Our complaint is grounded simply on the way that yesterday’s banner headline was phrased.

We hope that this will not be a pattern in The STAR’s treatment of Napocor-related stories and their corresponding headlines.

We remain appreciative of your role to provide the public with all the vital information they are entitled to regarding the acts and policies of all government agencies. And we continue to hold the highest respect for The Philippine STAR. — DENNIS S. GANA, Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Napocor