Manny Pacquaio

The war of the country’s two giant networks was triggered anew by Manny Pacquiao’s decision to move (back) to ABS-CBN from GMA-7 where he has an ongoing contract as talent.

After his announcement on the Kapamilya network that this is where he now wants his May 2 fight with Ricky Hatton as well as future fights televised, Atty. Dick Perez, vice president, GMA Legal Affairs, wrote Manny Pacquiao to remind him that “the Agreement between you and GMA still subsists and provides as follows:

“2.2 TALENT shall not appear 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.

“Your unilateral action to give ABS-CBN the right to air the Pacquiao-Hatton fight violates the above-refered provision of the Agreement.

“We demand that you strictly comply with the terms of our Agreement and that you recall immediately your grant to ABS-CBN of the airing right to the fight, otherwise, much to our regret, we shall take such actions as are necessary in order to protect our interests.

“We request your response to this letter within seven days from your receipt hereof. If you fail to respond within the period given, we shall assume that you have not recalled your grant of airing right to ABS-CBN.”

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ABS-CBN debunks GMA’s and Solar’s accusations

In answer to the above, ABS-CBN through Bong Osorio, Corporate Communication head, sent us their statement about the issue.

“We understand GMA-7’s disappointment about the decision of Manny Pacquiao to have ABS-CBN as its media partner, but it should avoid making thinly veiled accusations based on a columnist’s speculation.  It alleges that ABS-CBN’s supremacy in reach is to be used for Manny Pacquiao’s political plans—which is not true.

“ABS-CBN’s airing of Manny Pacquiao’s fights will not violate his contract with GMA, which prohibits Pacquiao from appearing on “any television program, show, promotion or event of any other broadcast media entity.”  Manny’s fights are not programs, shows, promotion, or events of ABS-CBN.  As the media partner of Manny Pacquiao, the Kapamilya network will only be airing Pacquiao’s boxing matches that will  be produced by Top Rank.

“We also believe that there is no basis for Solar Entertainment Corporation to take legal action.  ABS-CBN did not violate Solar’s rights.  Pacquiao rescinded his contract with Solar before he approached ABS-CBN to be his media partner.  We merely welcomed him as a Kapamilya.”

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Statement from Solar Sports

“The public is hereby advised that under a License Agreement dated May 7, 2007, Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and MP Promotions, for valuable consideration, granted to Solar Entertainment the exclusive rights to the audio-visual presentation of all bouts of Manny Pacquiao from May 7, 2007 to May 6, 2011.

“Manny Pacquiao’s attempt to rescind the License Agreement without any factual or legal basis is ill-advised.

“All third parties are hereby warned against any tortuous interference with the License Agreement. Solar shall avail of all its legal remedies to the fullest extent against any undue breach of and/or tortuous interference with the License Agreement.”

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CCP Founder is ‘Best of Aliw’ honorary chairman

Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos has accepted the honorary chairmanship of the Aliw Awards Foundation’s “Best of Aliw” which will be held today, March 22, at the CCP Main Theater.

“The Best of Aliw,” held as part of the celebration of the CCP’s 40th anniversary, will feature outstanding Filipino compositions as performed by the country’s top entertainers.

Five Entertainers of the Year, Pilita Corrales, Rico J. Puno, Celeste Legaspi, Tessie Tomas and Ogie Alcasid head the talented cast which includes Willie Nepomuceno, John Lesaca, Nonoy Libanan, RJ Jacinto, Ricky Davao, The Bayanihan National Folk Dance Co., Miguel Aguila, Dulce, Anthony Castelo, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Boots Anson Roa, Miriam Quiambao, German Moreno, Ramon Acoymo and Jonathan Badon. Director is Joey G. Nombres; Musical director, Gerry Matias.

The show is supported by FDAP, Ricky Reyes, Chevaliers Salon, Tesoro’s, PCSO, PAGCOR, Manila Bulletin, Solar Entertainment and NBN 4.

Tickets at popular prices are available at 521-8078, 692-8161, 0915-400-1183. Students may buy tickets at discounted prices. The show starts at 8 p.m. sharp, and guests are requested to come early as orchestra seats are on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 22, go to Atty. Ed Oliva, Anya Katigbak, Beverly T. Alforque, Fr. Elias Tanopo, Mrs. Filomena Batungbacal, Mrs. Lydia Loyola, and Baby Naidas Zapata… Happy wedding anniversary to Ray and Helen Sampilo of Queens Village, New York…