Padilla’s committee to probe recent controversy involving GMA Network

Sen. Robinhood Padilla —Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla announced Monday that the upper chamber’s committee on public information and mass media will probe the recent controversy hounding GMA Network.

Padilla, who heads the Senate panel, did not directly mention the specifics of the issue, but recent reports revealed that a GMA artist has filed a sexual abuse complaint against the network’s independent contractors.

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“Indeed, mass media is the sole power, the most powerful when it comes to public information and public opinion,” the senator said during the upper chamber’s plenary session.

“Our admired and saluted mother studio, the GMA-7 network, must clarify what kind of scandal they are involved in. The issue must not die down without a clear explanation in the mass media committee,” he added.

Padilla clarified that this does not mean the network should be blamed but pointed out that the issue must be addressed before the committee.

Last July 30, GMA Network issued an official statement assuring the public that it would take “matters with the utmost seriousness” after posts or a blind item concerning two consultants hired by the network allegedly sexually abused a young actor went viral.

GMA said it would take action once a formal complaint relating to the incident has been filed.