Sugbu TV’s fate hangs off the air

THE fate of the Capitol-run Sugbo TV now hangs in the balance after Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III is studying whether to continue or halt its operations.

Davide, who earlier said he does not see a need for the TV operations, said he has not yet made a decision on the matter.

He said he awaits the recommendation of newly-installed Provincial Information Officer (PIO) Ethel Natera before he makes the final decision.

“I haven’t received Ethel’s report yet,” he told reporters yesterday at the Provincial Capitol.

The Capitol pays P175,000 a month to lease a channel from Sky Cable and $14,000 monthly (P588,000 at P42 to US$1) for satellite rental.

With the satellite service, Sugbu TV’s programs reach parts of the Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon.

It also has 35 workers who work under the PIO.

According to Natera, she will first review the records of Sugbo TV and consult its heads.

“It is still under review, we have not yet given any order,” she told Cebu Daily News.

Sugbu TV was started during the second term as governor of 3rd district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia. The cable channel resumed airing its shows in February after it was temporarily closed by then Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale on Dec. 21.

It was later renamed into Cebu TV and the paper into Cebu Monthly after programming and staff revisions.