The INQUIRER apologizes to broadcaster Melo del Prado

The Philippine Daily Inquirer apologizes to Mr. Melo del Prado, broadcaster of dzBB Radio-GMA Network, for the articles published on March 19, March 20 and March 21, 2014, that reported that he benefitted from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), more popularly known as “pork barrel,” of some lawmakers by way of advertising funds that were coursed through the National Agri-business Corp. (Nabcor).Further verification of documents involved shows that Nabcor has entered into advertising contracts with various media outlets for the placement of its “Barangay Bagsakan-Bagsakan Center” advertisement on print and radio platforms, including the program of Mr. Del Prado. It also appears that these advertisements were actually run in Mr. Del Prado’s program. The payments for the advertisement do not show that they came from the PDAF.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer and sister publication Bandera have also published similar advertisements placed by Nabcor.

The documents do not show that Mr. Del Prado received payoffs or benefitted from the PDAF.

We regret the inconvenience and adverse effects that the news reports may have caused Mr. Del Prado, his family, GMA Network and colleagues in the media.