GMA Network disappointed over Pacquiao’s decision to ditch Solar

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network said in a statement Thursday that “it is very disappointed with the reported decision of Manny Pacquiao to transfer from Solar Sports to ABS-CBN the rights to broadcast his fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 and his other fights." The network also clarified that the existing contract for the airing of Pacquiao’s fights in the Philippines is between the boxer and Solar Sports and not between Manny and GMA Network. It said Solar Sports just enters into blocktime agreements with GMA Network for the airing of Pacquiao’s fights in the country. GMA Network also cited Beth Celis column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last March 18, 2009, which revealed, “The network (ABS-CBN) is said to have offered Manny full media support in the next election to ensure victory in the next year’s congressional elections." GMA Network said it did not offer the same to Pacquiao because the Omnibus Election Code prohibits television networks from doing so. Section 95 of the code states that “no contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly" by grantees of franchises such as television networks. It was also reported that Pacquiao favored the other network because of ABS-CBN’s dominance in Sarangani and the international presence of their reporters. GMA Network’s news teams and existing contributors in key areas worldwide adequately cover important events like those of Pacquiao’s activities. GMA also has superior signal quality in General Santos City and environs. The network said that aside from Pacquiao’s two existing programs, “Pinoy Records" and “Totoy Bato," GMA Entertainment offered projects to Manny as soon as his schedule allows. These include his own sitcom, a drama series, concerts in Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the United States and in key cities in Canada and boxing clinics around the Philippines. The network may have to review these now in light of the recent developments, the statement said. Moreover, according to GMA’s legal counsel, Dick B. Perez, Manny Pacquiao has a separate contract with GMA Network, which prohibits the boxing icon from appearing on “any television program, show, promotion or event of any other broadcast media entity other than GMA and its subsidiaries and affiliates without the written consent of GMA." GMA has not given him its consent to appear in ABS-CBN. - GMANews.TV