“PTEA stands with GM Puod in this fight!”

By Daniel Asido

MANILA – Government media workers from the People’s Television Employees Association (PTEA) are rallying behind ousted General Manager Analisa Puod and are asking for her reinstatement after her ‘unexpected removal’ by the Office of the President.

In a document obtained by the Pilipino Mirror dated June 10, 2024, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instructed Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil to appoint Antonio Nebrida and to remove Puod from office.

Puod was appointed as General Manager of PTV by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in June 2023. The reason for her removal was not specified in the document.

Nebrida, on the other hand, served as the spokesman of the Department of Migrant Workers (DBW) before he was appointed acting GM.

The workers said that they stand alongside Puod and asked the Office of the President to recall its decision, noting that the network has been performing well under the ousted GM’s leadership.

“[PTEA] is throwing its support behind ousted station general manager Analisa Puod since the latter has been efficient in managing the company, is mindful of the plight of the employees, and is fully supportive of their initiatives,” the workers said in a statement.

Puod’s management of PTV

PTEA said that Puod’s contribution to the state-run network is invaluable, noting the boost in PTV’s performance in replay rate and network reach while introducing new segments like Congress TV, Unity League, PTV Sports Channel, and increased transmitter stations under her leadership.

Aside from network performance, PTEA also said that Puod is working hard to give benefits to contractual members of the PTV and to uplift the working conditions and status of the workers.

The workers added that Puod is already working toward the 20-year ‘delayed’ reorganization and regularization of employees, and a change in leadership will derail her efforts to give better working conditions to PTV employees.

“Together with the greater majority of regular and contractual employees from the head office to all provincial stations, PTEA believes that Puod’s capability, competence, and commitment to ensuring that PTV-4 adheres to its mandates and better serves the people have significantly boosted the government’s network reputation and capability,” they added.

The workers also think Puod’s approach to efficiency and the fight against corrupt activities within the network is in line with the objectives of the Marcos administration, and they hope the palace will rethink its choice.

Climate and energy justice activists associated with the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) convened outside the Embassy of Japan on Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City on Friday, November 3, 2023, the day Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived for a two-day state visit. Their purpose was to stage a protest rally opposing Japanese fossil fuel projects.

During this visit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to spend two days in the country, highlighted by a speech before the joint session of Congress on Saturday.

It is expected that he will make announcements regarding a security aid package and forthcoming negotiations for a defense pact. These initiatives aim to strengthen Japan’s alliances, particularly in light of China’s current assertiveness in the region.

In meetings between President Bongbong Marcos and the Prime Minister, a significant focus will be on addressing the escalating assertiveness of China in the West Philippine Sea.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)