Filtered By: Showbiz
Showbiz

Gringo backs Senate probe of ‘Hello, Pappy’ episode


Sen. Gregorio Honasan has supported the call for the investigation of the “Wowowee" TV game show controversy, saying the probe will protect consumers against all forms of possible fraud. "We are definitely endorsing the Senate investigation. This is all about fairness, and ensuring the probity of all popular contests, whether on-screen or off-screen, in order to safeguard consumers," Honasan said in a statement released to media on Monday. "The products in question here are all game shows. The consumers we are trying to protect here are all TV viewers, not just the game contestants," he added. Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on public order, safety and illegal drugs, said he considers the controversy “not as a trivial affair" but a “grave matter." “In fact, lives have been lost as a consequence of the frenzy created by one of these shows." Honasan was referring to the Feb. 4, 2006 stampede at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The mad rush of aspiring "Wowowee" contestants and fans killed 71 people and injured more than 200. Sen. Mar Roxas earlier vowed to file a resolution that would enable the investigation of the supposed manipulation of the P2- million "Wilyonaryo" game segment of the "Wowoweee" noontime show of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. "We cannot just allow this controversy to blow over. We have to ascertain whether existing laws are sufficient to protect consumers, with respect to ensuring the integrity of all game shows," Honasan said. He said existing trade laws protect consumers against potential cheating in all forms of promotional contests. "This is why regulators, in this case officials of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), are supposed to supervise all contests, from simple raffles to game shows," Honasan said. - FIDEL JIMENEZ, GMANews.TV

LOADING CONTENT