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Aquino: GMA Network kept 'light of truth alive'


Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of GMA Network, President Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III thanked the station for playing a vital role in strengthening the nation’s democracy through the years, especially during martial rule when his father was imprisoned and then assassinated. Aquino was the keynote speaker during GMA Network’s launching of a coffee-table book chronicling the years since its inception, on the occasion of the station’s 60th year. “I remember during the dark years of martial law, GMA-7 persisted in keeping the public informed despite the risks of censorship and even to the safety of your reporters. Working under the yoke of a dictatorship, GMA-7 kept the flickering light of truth alive during that difficult and dangerous time," Aquino said in his speech Friday night at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV The President likewise thanked the network for touching his life in a “very personal way". “It was the only TV station that covered the assassination of my dad, Benigno S. Aquino Jr., and his historic wake and funeral. It was also the TV station where my mom, former President Corazon C. Aquino, made her television debut on August 21, 1984. You were also present at her historic wake and funeral, which we will be commemorating in two days," Aquino said. “For this, and for your courage in delivering the news for our people, I am extremely grateful," he added. It wasn't all praise as he raised pointed questions about TV programming. "Do we grow as a people if we have too much airtime devoted to pure entertainment?" he asked rhetorically. "Is your healthy bottom line not a product of programming that has contributed to a stable and progressive society?" He also referred to a debate within the television industry "about whether you should use more airtime particularly when viewership is high to strengthen your bottom line or to expose people to socially relevant programming."

"I will need your help to accurately convey to the nation our current state of affairs, and how our people can do their part in the next six years," President Aquino said. Erik Liongoren
"I will need your help to accurately convey to the nation our current state of affairs, and how our people can do their part in the next six years," Aquino said. While saying that his administration will accept criticism from the station, Aquino vowed to protect the freedom of speech. “I believe you have a right and an obligation to encourage public discourse but I hope that it is the type of discourse that leads to consensus, one that will ultimately lead to action," Aquino declared. Aquino was on time for the start of the program, arriving shortly before 7 p.m. with some Cabinet members. According to a GMANews.TV staff member who was stopped at a red light on Ayala Avenue, the presidential convoy pulled up beside him and waited for the green light like everyone else despite advance cops on every corner. “(Aquino) came on time even without the wangwang," said GMA Network president and chief executive officer Atty. Felipe Gozon. Gozon was referring to Aquino’s popular declaration during his inaugural speech that government officials including himself will now have to follow traffic rules and stop using sirens. “President Aquino is very accommodating. ‘Pag nalaman niyang gusto, talagang pupunta siya (If he knows that people want to see him, he will really come). Now I know why he is popular," Gozon added. Aquino left a little past 8 p.m., after indulging requests from the network's guests and employees for photos with him.
President Aquino shakes hands with GMA Network Chairman Felipe Gozon (center) and Executive VP Gilberto Duavit Jr. Erik Liongoren
The book launch, emceed by senior vice president for radio operations and news anchor Miguel Enriquez, was attended by the network’s senior executives, members of Aquino’s official family, and the station's entertainment and news and public affairs personalities. Government officials who graced the event included Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senators Vicente Sotto III, Franklin Drilon and Ramon Revilla Jr.; House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda; Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo. Supreme Court spokesperson Midas Marquez, Commission on Elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim Henares and Ricky Carandang, an official of the Aquino administration’s Communications Group, were also present. Gozon said the network is set to launch new programs in the coming weeks, still as part of its year-long celebrations for its anniversary. “We have just regained our momentum in achieving superiority in the ratings, and the public can expect more quality programs. Better things are going to come their way from GMA 7," Gozon said. - HS, GMANews>TV
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