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CEBU CITY, Philippines – “We’re back on-air!”
The controversial Cebu Capitol television channel went back on air on Thursday, February 21.
The provincial Capitol has renamed “Sugbo TV” to “Cebu TV Ato Ni” (Cebu TV, this is ours) two months after it was ordered closed by Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale.
The former Sugbo TV was the brainchild of suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia aimed at showcasing the diverse and unique culture of the entire province.
“Cebu TV Ato Ni” is airing over SkyCable Channel 31 and features various local travelogues, and documentary, among others.
Information officer Jules Regner told reporters that they have a total of 9 programs running for 6 hours. Local Cebuano films are also aired in between programs.
The province reportedly pays US$14,000 a month for satellite connection and another P100,000 for SkyCable. Other operational expenses are not yet included.
A new gazette, too
Regner said the launching of Cebu Monthly, the new gazette of the provincial government, has been re-scheduled to February 28. It was originally scheduled Thursday but the acting governor was not available.
The Capitol’s Cable Channel is now headed by 22-year-old Natileigh Sitoy, the daughter of Provincial Board (PB) Member Arleigh Sitoy.
At the height of Garcia’s political standoff last December, Magpale ordered the suspension of Sugbo TV operations on allegations Garcia used the channel to “promote” her own political party, One Cebu.
Province-paid radio programs from several local stations and the publication of “Sugbo News” were also stopped pending a budget review.
Most of the Sugbo TV employees are now with “Cebu TV Ato Ni.” Others who refused to work under the new administration resigned and stayed with the Garcias.
The Garcias later decided to buy airtime from Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN) Channel 47, a local TV Network, where they air one of Sugbo TV’s former programs.
In January, several employees of Sugbo TV filed a complaint against Magpale, Police Regional Office Director Marcelo Garbo, Regional Public Safety Battalion head Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag and lawyer Czareem Joseph Estella for alleged abuse of authority and other accusations.
The complaint stemmed after the alleged “forced closure” of Sugbo TV in late December 2012 after Garcia was suspended for 6 months by the Office of the President for grave abuse of authority. – Rappler.com
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