ABS-CBN statement regarding the GMA libel suit

This is ABS-CBN's official press statement regarding the libel charges filed by GMA-7:
"We are waiting for a formal copy of GMA-7's complaint so our lawyers can evaluate its merits.
We are disappointed but not surprised by GMA-7’s reactions to the discovery of TV ratings manipulation.

We continue to stand by our earlier news reports that AGB-Nielsen Media Research General Manager Maya Reforma identified GMA-7 as the broadcast network behind the efforts that compromised panel homes in Bacolod.

Furthermore, in the attachment to Reforma's affidavit submitted to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, she admitted that "79 of the 532 homes interviewed from the 6 cities were confirmed by panel homes to have been exposed to efforts by GMA."

Let's remember that the issue here is about having a clean TV ratings process, the reason we filed a civil case against AGB-Nielsen Media Research. Filing defamation charges against ABS-CBN diverts attention from the real issue. We are confident that the truth will come out."

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GMA 7 files P15-million libel case vs. ABS-CBN

A multi-million peso libel suit was filed yesterday morning by GMA Network against ABS-CBN, its executives and talents. The libel case was filed at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

The filing of the case was prompted by alleged erroneous and malicious news reports and commentaries aired by ABS-CBN that pointed to GMA Network as responsible for the alleged TV ratings manipulation in Bacolod.

Among those sued for libel were DZMM station manager Angelo Palmones, DZMM news manager Alona Magtalas, DZMM reporter Junrie Hidalgo, DZMM hosts Cristy Fermin and Jobert Sucaldito, Bandila over-all in charge of production Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Bandila Executive Producer (EP) Boyet Agustin, legal department head Atty. Maximilian Uy, Bandila host Korina Sanchez, "Entertainment Live" overall in charge of production Malou Santos and Luis Andrada, "Entertainment Live" EP Lani Gutierrez, "Entertainment Live" and "The Buzz" headwriter Romer Gonzales, "The Buzz" EP Nancy Yabut, and " The Buzz" headwriter Ian Reyno.

GMA Network is asking for a total of P15-million in damages.

In its complaint, GMA Network said ABS–CBN made it appear in its TV and radio programs that GMA "rigged and manipulated the ratings in Bacolod and that Ms. Maya Reporma admitted in that (DZMM) ambush interview that GMA 7 was behind the ratings manipulation."

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Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2007 Result

Sorina Neacsu, 17, of Romania was crowned Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2007 on New Year's Eve in Petaling, Jaya, Malaysia. Karen Blanco, 22, of Venezuela is 1st runner-up while Essi Poysi, 20, of Finland grabs the second runner-up award.

Watcharawan Suntarintu, 19, of Thailands ends up as 3rd runner-up while Anna Marie Morelos, 18, of the Philippines is 4th runner up.