Giant networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7 issued separate statements earlier today, March 24, in connection with Manny Pacquiao's revelation that ABS-CBN broke their agreement that his recorded statement about his decision to partner with the Kapamilya network will be embargoed, and that his statement was made by ABS-CBN's lawyer. (Click here to read related story.)
"Ang usapan namin ng kabila [ABS-CBN] ay, sabi ko, 'Huwag muna tayo maggawa ng footage or video... Suriin ko muna kontrata ng Solar kung may breach of contract at saka tayo maglabas ng ganyang mga videos.' And then ang sabi nila sa akin na, 'Itatago lang namin, hindi namin ipapalabas, gawin mo na lang ito para pag sabihin namin sa iyo pag ipalabas namin,' kaya ginawa namin.
"At yung mga statement na iyon, actually, hindi naman ako ang gumawa nun. Ang gumawa nun yung mga abogado rin ng ABS-CBN. Sila rin nagturo san 'kin, sila ang may idea nun na gawin ang sasabihin ko," said Manny in a phone-patch interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other entertainment and sports media yesterday, March 23.
Here is the statement of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs:
"We are surprised by Manny Pacquiao's statement that ABS-CBN News broke a supposed embargo.
"Here are the facts:
"On March 14, Manny Pacquiao recorded a statement that he asked be embargoed. That statement has never aired.
"On March 17, he recorded another statement saying that he came to ABS-CBN to air his next fights. He later approved that statement for airing, and our newscasts aired it on Wednesday, March 18.
"On March 19, in an interview while training, he asked viewers to support him and watch his fight on ABS-CBN.
"On March 20, Pacquiao again declared in an ABS-CBN interview that 'my decision [is] still the same. Fight mapapanood sa ABS-CBN."
"We respond because this charge strikes at our core values as a news organization: honest reporting and respect for our sources. Regardless, we continue to report on Manny Pacquiao's activities and respect his decision to enter into any arrangement with any company regarding his fights."
Here is the official statement of GMA Network:
"GMA Network maintains that after all the recent events that happened, Manny Pacquiao made the right decision by honoring his contract with Solar Sports and more importantly, by remaining a Kapuso.
"Pacquiao made a bold statement during the press conference organized by GMA Network and Solar Sports yesterday (March 23) when he said that ABS-CBN reneged on their commitment to Pacquiao not to air the videos on his transfer to ABS-CBN until after he has proven the breach of contract on the part of Solar. Pacquiao also apologized to GMA Network and Solar Sports executives for what happened.
"GMA Network Chairman, President and CEO Felipe L. Gozon admired Pacquiao for his courage to admit his faults. 'It shows character for a man, particularly a world champion like Manny Pacquiao, to admit and ask forgiveness for committing a mistake. It took a lot of courage to tell the truth over what happened, even if in doing so, some quarters may fault him,' Gozon said.
"Gozon also said that it is now time to move forward and forget about everything that happened. "We only want what is best for Manny and we wish him success in his fight against Ricky Hatton. His fight is not only for himself and his family, but for the entire country as well. He should now train hard and focus on his preparations for the fight," Gozon said.
"Manny Pacquiao's fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2 (May 3 in the Philippines) will be seen by Filipinos nationwide for free on GMA Network."