Responding to the Philippine Football Federation’s (PFF) complaint, GMA Network Inc. defended on Friday hosts Arnold Clavio and Rhea Santos whose remarks on morning show Unang Hirit were considered offensive to the Philippine National Football Team and its female fans.
“(A)ng GMA Network po, walang nakitang racist, walang discriminatory, walang libelous at walang malicious sa mga komentaryo nina Arnold at Rhea,” said the network through a statement aired on 24 Oras.
The television giant also clarified that the commentary under fire was not part of the show’s news reporting, but an unscripted banter between the segment’s hosts.
“Sang-ayon man kami o hindi sa kanilang opinyon, ang karapatan nilang ihayag ito ay kinikilala ng GMA Network tulad ng aming pagrespeto sa karapatan ng publiko at maging ng PFF na maghayag ng kanilang opinyon—basta ang nasabing opinyon ay hindi labag sa batas,” the statement added
Negative comments by supporters and personalities related to Azkals flooded social media right after the network made their statement public. Some have even called for boycotts, while other netizens insist that calmer heads prevail.
@gmanews wow gma! walang kinikilingan? serbisyong totoo lang?!
— patrick ace (@acebright) March 16, 2012
So according to gma, if hosts arent reading scripts, they can say anything. My god, any journalism student knows better
— Mike Limpag (@mikelimpag) March 16, 2012
Morality means drawing a line between right and wrong. I choose 2 unfollow @gmanews & I will not buy from their sponsors. If U agree pls RT
— Craig Burrows (@craigburrows) March 16, 2012
Even my brother who is not an #Azkals fan says that what Arnold Clavio and Rhea Santos said were foul.
— Maybelle Morete (@mabel_007) March 16, 2012
Arnold Clavio screwed up. Alright, time get on with all your lives. It’s not like he sexually harassed anyone.
— Marco Javelosa (@pinoygator) March 16, 2012
GMA7 should understand that owning up to the racist, derogatory remarks does not diminish the value of the sexual harassment complaint.
— Mika (@swikey) March 16, 2012
What do you think? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page.
