It can be recalled that last year, the Kapamilya network staged the Philippines’ most prestigous pageant, where Shamcey Supsup was hailed Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and eventually became 4th Runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant. In an interview, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) chair Stella Marquez Araneta commended ABS-CBN for bringing an excellent show last year, which she said some believe to be better than the Miss Universe production. For more updates, logon to http://twitter.com/abscbndotcom.

ABS-CBN Continues to Support Bb. Pilipinas originally appeared on Starmometer on February 8, 2012.

According to the New York Festivals official website, NYF’s World’s Best Television & Films honors programming in all lengths and forms from over 40 countries. Dedicated to both the TV and Film industries, categories mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers: News, Sports, Documentary, Reality, Drama, Feature Films, Telenovelas, Webisodes, Promo, Music Videos, Corporate Films, and Animation.

The 2012 TV & Film Awards ceremony for The World’s Best TV & Films will be held on April 17th in conjunction with The NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Here are the 5 programs from ABS-CBN which made it as finalists in the 2012 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards Competition:

Best Newscast
TV Patrol – Storm Juaning
ABS-CBN Corporation

Biography/Profiles
Storyline
ABS-CBN Corporation

History & Society
EDSA25: Sulyap sa Kasaysayan (A Glimpse of History)
ABS-CBN Corporation

Magazine Format
Rated K / Kwento ng Buhay Ko (This is my Life)
ABS-CBN Corporation

Social Issues/Current Events
Krusada / Crusade
ABS-CBN Corporation

5 ABS-CBN Programs are Finalists in New York Festivals 2012 originally appeared on Starmometer on February 7, 2012.

Kantar Media, which has national samples of 1,389 homes and 8,015 individuals that are statistically representative of total Philippine TV population, reported that ABS-CBN scored an average audience share of 41.2% nationwide based on households watching TV, or a nine point lead against rival GMA that hit only 32.1% on primetime (6 PM – 12MN).

ABS-CBN programs once again proved to be the most watched in the previous month as eight out of the top ten programs nationwide for January were produced by ABS-CBN.

Top-caliber primetime series “Walang Hanggan” instantly rose to the top spot with an average household TV rating of 29.6% followed by weeknight tearjerker “Budoy” and recently concluded Christmas-serye “Ikaw ay Pag-ibig” on the second spot, both with 29.4%.

Kim Chiu starrer “My Binondo Girl,” which also aired its finale, garnered an average household TV rating of 28.2% in fourth while Asia’s longest running drama anthology “MMK” is on fifth with 27.5%.

Newest series “Eboy,” on the other hand, secured the sixth spot despite its only few days of airing and scored an average national TV rating of 27.2%.

Meanwhile, “TV Patrol” opens the year of the water dragon still as the number one newscast in the country as it hit an average household TV rating of 26.3% as opposed to rival “24 Oras” with only 19.8%.

She may be gone for good, but Elisa can still be found in Kantar Media’s most watched list last month as the local adaptation “Nasaan Ka Elisa?” placed 7th nationwide with 24.4%.

Completing the top ten is the number one current affairs show in the country, “Rated K,” anchored by Korina Sanchez, which got the last spot with 21.8% average household TV rating.

ABS-CBN registered a net income of P2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2011, while news media reported that GMA Network earned P1.58 billion net income in the same period.
Kantar Media, a multinational market research group that specializes in audience measurement in more than 80 countries, has 22 TV networks, ad agencies, and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services. Among its current subscribers are ABS-CBN, NBN, Sky Cable, J. Romero and Associates, Adformatix, Starcom, OMD, PhD, Mediacom, Mindshare, MEC, Maxus, Universal McCann, and Wellmade Manufacturing Corporation. They also include pan-regional networks likes CSM Media Inc., Fox International Channels, Star HK, Discovery, AXN, HBO, MTV, and Sony Pictures Television International.
ABS-CBN shifted to Kantar Media/TNS after filing a case vs. AGB Nielsen Media Research for failing to comply with its request to investigate alleged cheating and data tampering in TV ratings. The case is still pending in court contrary to claims by GMA, which is not a party to the case, that it has been resolved.

TABLE 1. NATIONAL PRIMETIME TV VIEWERSHIP IN JANUARY 2012 BY HOUSEHOLDS

TABLE 2. TOP TEN PROGRAMS IN JANUARY 2012 (NATIONAL HOMES)

ABS-CBN Welcomes 2012 with Primetime TV Lead originally appeared on Starmometer on February 3, 2012.

Be it on television or radio, ABS-CBN news programs and personalities remain to be the most trusted by the students of UPLB by winning more awards than rival network GMA.

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ shows and personalities outnumbered GMA by bagging a total of nine awards as compared to GMA News and Public Affairs’ six awards.

“Umagang Kay Ganda” was hailed as Best Morning Show and “Patrol ng Pilipino (Kanino ang Spratly’s?)” for Best Documentary Program.

Karen Davila, Julius Babao, and Ces Orena-Drilon, on the other hand, won as Best News Anchors for “Bandila,” “Umagang Kay Ganda anchors” for Best Morning Show hosts, Karen Davila for Best Documentarist, and Bernadette Sembrano and Alvin Elchico for Best Public Service Program Host for “Salamat Dok.”

ABS-CBN’s flagship primetime newscast “TV Patrol,” on the other hand, was elevated to the Hall of Fame for Best News Program.

“Matanglawin” was given the special award for Best Educational Program while its anchor Kim Atienza was given two distinct special awards for his advocacies in education and nature— the Gandingan ng Edukasyon and Gandingan ng Kalikasan.

“The Bottomline with Boy Abunda” also won in the Best Development-Oriented Talk Show category, while its host Boy Abunda bagged the Best Development-Oriented Talk Show Host award.

ABS-CBN also won the Gandingan ng Pinilakang-Tabing special award.

Meanwhile, Studio 23’s lifestyle magazine show “Us Girls” received a special citation for Best Women-Oriented Program with hosts Angel Aquino, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Iya Villania also receiving a special citation for Best Women-Oriented Program Host. ABS-CBN Regional Network Group’s “Mag-TV na Amiga: Outstanding Farmers” bagged its Gandingan for Best Livelihood-Oriented Program.

When it comes to radio, ABS-CBN’s AM station DZMM and FM station Tambayan 101.9 collectively won five awards.

Anchor Ted Failon was named Best AM Announcer while DZMM host Carl Balita was bestowed with the Gandingan ng Kabuhayan Special Award. “Dos Por Dos,” on the other hand, bagged the Most Development-Oriented AM Program.

Aside from winning Best FM Station, Tambayan 101.9’s DJ Jasmin won as Best Disc Jock and her show “Dear Jasmin” as the Most Development-Oriented FM Program.

Overall, ABS-CBN received 14 awards compared to GMA with six awards. DZMM 630 took home three awards vs DZBB’s one award. Tambayan 101.9 brought home three Gandingan award as compared to Barangay LS’ with no award won.

ABS-CBN subsidiary Studio 23 also contributed to the Kapamilya Network’s success by bagging two awards.

The Gandingan Awards is the annual awards program of the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Over a thousand students vote for programs and personalities that strive to promote development-oriented issues.

ABS-CBN Wins Most Development-Oriented TV in 2012 Gandingan Awards originally appeared on Starmometer on January 31, 2012.

Here are the Top 20 programs and comparative TV ratings nationwide from January 27 to 29, 2012 according to Kantar Media:

January 27, 2012 (Friday)

Daytime:

Gising Pilipinas (0.8%) vs. Rescue (Replay) (1.1%)
Kape’t Pandasal (1.4%) / Umagang Kay Ganda (4.9%) vs. Unang Hirit (4.7%) / Tom And Jerry (7.0%)
Sailormoon (5.5%) / Naruto Shippuuden (Season 4) (6.5%) vs. Detective Conan (8.2%)
Kris TV (8.7%) vs. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (7.5%) / Bleach (8.2%) / Knock Out (8.2%)
Showtime (11.8%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival (12.3%) / Chef Boy Logro Kusina Master (16.1%)
Happy Yipee Yehey! (10.1%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (21.4%)
Heartstrings (10.6%) vs. Kokak (15.5%)
Angelito Batang Ama (14.4%) vs. Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (18.9%)
Pinoy Big Brother Unliday (12.4%) vs. Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit (16.9%)
Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin (14.4%) vs. Love You (10.2%)

Primetime:

Maria La Del Barrio (21.1%) vs. Daldalita (13.1%)
TV Patrol (26.1%) vs. 24 Oras (17.2%) vs. Wil Time Bigtime (12.2%)
Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig (32.0%) vs. Munting Heredera (18.6%)
Budoy (27.9%) vs. Legacy (16.9%)
Walang Hanggan (27.5%) vs. Survivor Philippines Celebrity Double Showdown (16.3%) vs. Glamorosa (4.3%)
Pinoy Big Brother Unlinight (16.3%) / City Hunter (11.3%) vs. Bubble Gang (11.6%) vs. PS I Love You (2.4%) / Bitag (1.8%)
Bandila (4.4%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (3.9%) vs. Aksyon Journalismo (1.1%) / Juicy! (0.4%)
S.O.C.O. (A Scene of the Crime Operatives) (2.9%) vs. Tunay Na Buhay (1.8%) vs. Jojo A. All The Way!!! (0.1%)

January 28, 2012 (Saturday)

Daytime:

Sa Kabukiran (1.1%) vs. Adyenda (0.8%) / Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (0.8%)
Salamat Dok (3.1%) vs. Pinoy MD Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (2.4%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (3.4%) vs. Batman The Brave And The Bold (4.4%)
Honey Watch Out (2.3%) vs. Jewelpet (7.0%)
Why Not? (2.9%) vs. Tom & Jerry Kids (9.3%)
Go Diego Go! (4.2%) vs. Knock Out (8.7%)
The Penguins Of Madagascar (5.0%) / The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius (6.8%) vs. Tropang Potchi (7.0%)
3 Brothers (4.4%) vs. Maynila (Larawan Ng Bansa) (10.3%)
Showtime (12.9%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival (15.8%)
Happy Yipee Yehey! (11.8%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (26.5%)
Entertainment Live! (6.1%) vs. Startalk (9.2%)
Ako Ang Simula (4.7%) / Failon Ngayon (7.3%) vs. Wish Ko Lang! (9.7%)

Primetime:

TV Patrol Weekend (13.2%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (9.0%) vs. Wil Time Bigtime (12.8%)
Wansapanataym (21.1%) / Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition (20.3%) vs. Manny Many Prizes (12.8%)
Maalaala Mo Kaya… (26.5%) vs. Kapuso Movie Night (25.9%) vs. The Jose & Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto (4.8%)
Toda Max (15.3%) vs. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (23.6%) Regal Shocker (4.7%)
Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited Weekend (11.8%) vs. Imbestigador (14.0%) vs. Real Confessions (3.6%) / Tutok Tulfo (2.9%)
Banana Split Extra Scoop (6.2%) vs. Just For Laughs Gags (6.0%) vs. Aksyon Sabado (1.5%)
The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (2.0%) / Sports Unlimited (1.2%) vs. Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (1.8%)

January 29, 2012 (Sunday)

Daytime:

The Healing Eucharist (3.9%) vs. In Touch (0.8%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (2.8%) vs. Batman The Brave And The Bold (3.3%)
Salamat Dok (3.1%) vs. Jewelpet (6.3%) / Tom & Jerry Kids (8.7%)
Spider-Man (4.6%) vs. Detective Conan (10.1%)
The Incredible Hulk (4.5%) vs. Dragon Ball (10.8%)
Matanglawin (8.1%) vs. Aha (7.5%)
Pinoy Pride XI Philippines Vs The World (12.9%) vs. Kapuso Movie Sunday Festival (12.3%)
ASAP 2012 (12.8%) vs. Party Pilipinas (10.9%)
Growing Up (9.4%) vs. Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts (9.3%)
The Buzz (9.7%) vs. Showbiz Central (7.0%)
TV Patrol Weekend (18.1%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (12.2%) vs. Pinoy Explorer (8.7%)

Primetime:

Goin’ Bulilit (16.9%) / Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition (17.2%) vs. Pepito Manaloto Reality Sitcom (19.5%) vs. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (10.2%)
Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (21.5%) vs. Kap’s Amazing Stories (19.5%) / I Bilib Featuring Wonders Of Horus (18.0%)
Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited Weekend (15.2%) vs. Sunday Night Box Office (21.2%) vs. Talentadong Pinoy (9.4%) / Wow Mali (4.0%)
Gandang Gabi Vice (12.5%) / Sunday’s Best (6.5%) vs. Sunday Night Box Office (12.9%) vs. Under Special Investigation (1.6%) / Aksyon Linggo (0.8%)

Source: Kantar Media

Weekend National TV Ratings: ‘MMK’ and ‘Rated K’ Top Viewership, Kapuso Programs Dominate the Top 20 originally appeared on Starmometer on January 31, 2012.

Iza Calzado officially signed an exclusive three-year contract with ABS-CBN yesterday, January 24, 2012 (Tuesday).

Present during the contract signing were Iza’s manager Noel Ferrer and ABS-CBN executives Charo Santos-Concio, Linggit Tan, Cory Vidanez and Laurenti M. Dyogi.

Iza said her decision to transfer to the Kapamilya network is just a career move.

“It’s just a business and at some point we will make a certain decision and hopefully without burning bridges,” she said.

Iza’s upcoming projects on ABS-CBN include a hosting stint for the second season of “Pinoy Biggest Loser” formerly hosted by Megastar Sharon Cuneta who is now with TV5, two teleseryes a year, and a movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo under Star Cinema.

Her welcome party as the newest Kapamilya will be held this Sunday on ASAP 2012.

Photo Credit: GMA-7′s “Beauty Queen”

Iza Calzado Decides to Become a Kapamilya, Inks 3-Year Contract with ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on January 25, 2012.

The case is in relation to the alleged unauthorized airing of Iraqi captive Angelo Dela Cruz’s arrival footage taken at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport over GMA’s newscast in July 2004.

ABS-CBN claimed over its newscasts that GMA “stole” and aired its live feed, which was actually taken from the Reuters Television Service (Reuters), where GMA had a video subscription contract.

Among those implicated in the crime of libel are ABS-CBN executives and talents, namely, Erwin Tulfo, Beth Frondoso, Lynda Jumilla, Ma. Progena Estonilo Reyes, Annie Eugenio, Dondi Garcia, Eugenio Lopez III, Luis Alejandro, Jose Ramon Olives, Jesus Maderazo, Luisita Cruz-Valdez, Jose Magsaysay, Jr., and Alfonso Marquez.

In her four-page resolution promulgated on December 14, 2011, DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima said, “The malicious imputation was evident from the use of the words ‘magnanakaw ng aming eksklusibong kuha,’ ‘pamimirata ng footage,’ ‘pagnanakaw ay isang malaking krimen,’ and ‘pagnanakaw ng video’ uttered by [ABS-CBN respondents].” These were aimed at casting discredit or dishonor to GMA on live nationwide broadcast.

Further, De Lima said that GMA proved that all the elements of libel, namely, defamatory imputation, malice, publication, and identifiability of the person defamed were present in the utterances and statements made in the ABS-CBN news reports about GMA’s use of Dela Cruz’s arrival footage.

GMA earlier petitioned with the Supreme Court its P100-million civil damages case for libel lodged against ABS-CBN for the aforementioned defamatory statements.

On November 9, 2010, the Court of Appeals released a Decision that junked ABS-CBN’s motion to file copyright infringement charges against GMA on grounds that the airing of Dela Cruz’s homecoming [by GMA] was done in good faith and cannot be regarded as infringement of copyrights.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communications Department sent a text message to Starmometer in response to the above press release by GMA-7.

Here is the official statement of ABS-CBN:

“We disagree with the ruling and we shall appeal it to the Court of Appeals.”

DOJ Denies ABS-CBN’s Motion to Dismiss the Filing of a Criminal Complaint for Libel Against Its Executives and Talents (UPDATED) originally appeared on Starmometer on January 11, 2012.

Based on Kantar Media data for full year 2011, ABS-CBN obtained a 42 percent national audience share for primetime (6PM onwards) when advertisers make most of its placements, or 12 points higher than GMA’s 30 percent.

For the month December 2011 alone, ABS-CBN reigned supreme on primetime TV with a 42 percent of Philippine households watching Kapamilya programs vs. GMA’s 31 percent. ABS-CBN continued its winning streak in Metro Manila TV ratings with an average audience share of 36 percent and overtook GMA’s 34 percent.

ABS-CBN drama, news, and talent reality programs dominated 2011’s top 30 programs (excluding TV specials) with 21 Kapamilya programs and even secured the top 16 slots.

Filipinos preferred watching ABS-CBN drama series as nine of its shows made it to the top 10 most-watched programs in 2011. “Mara Clara” (33.4%) topped all programs last year, followed by “100 Days to Heaven” (32.6%), “Mutya” (32.4%), “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” (29.4%), “Ikaw ay Pag-ibig” (29.2%), “Budoy” (28.8%), “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (28.2%), “Noah” (28%), “Guns and Roses” (27%).

“TV Patrol,” the only TV newscast to make it to 2011’s top 10 programs, remained as the country’s number one TV newscast with an average TV rating of 27.2 percent. Its competitor “24 Oras” was far behind at 24th spot with only 19.5% of Filipino households watching it last year.

“Pilipinas Got Talent” was the highest rating talent reality-search at 11th spot with an average TV rating of 26.8 percent, while “Rated K” topped all public affairs programs at 14th place with an average TV rating of 23.8 percent.

ABS-CBN’s “Toda Max” (20.8%) led all TV sitcoms, while “Goin Bulilit” (20.7%) beat all other gag shows in 2011.

Overall, ABS-CBN enjoyed an audience share of 36 percent in 2011 vs. GMA’s 35 percent and TV5’s 13 percent.

ABS-CBN registered a net income of P2.2 billion in the first nine months of 2011, while news media reported that GMA Network earned P1.58 billion net income in the same period.

Kantar Media has 22 TV networks, ad agencies, and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services. Among its current subscribers are ABS-CBN, NBN, Sky Cable, J. Romero and Associates, Adformatix, Starcom, OMD, PhD, Mediacom, Mindshare, MEC, Maxus, Universal McCann, and Wellmade Manufacturing Corporation. They also include pan-regional networks likes CSM Media Inc., Fox International Channels, Star HK, Discovery, AXN, HBO, MTV, and Sony Pictures Television International.

ABS-CBN shifted to Kantar Media/TNS after filing a case vs. AGB Nielsen Media Research for failing to comply with its request to investigate alleged cheating and data tampering in TV ratings. The case is still pending in court contrary to claims by GMA, which is not a party to the case, that it has been resolved.

TABLE 5. TOP 30 PROGRAMS IN 2011 (NATIONAL HOMES)

ABS-CBN Tops TV Viewing in 2011 originally appeared on Starmometer on January 5, 2012.

With its Facebook fans reaching more than 2 million and Twitter followers hitting more than 100,000, ABS-CBN is truly the most sought after TV network on the web as more netizens subscribe to its updates on its shows, stars, and services via the said social networking and micro-blogging sites.

As of January 2, ABS-CBN’s official Facebook page already got a total of 2,014,649 likes from users all over the world and currently the fifth top Facebook page in the Philippines based on social media statistics site Social Bakers (www.socialbakers.com).

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also ruled the Twitterverse as the most followed Philippine TV network on Twitter with 102,449 followers versus GMA (@gmanetwork) with 30,533 and TV5 (@TV5Manila) with 44,785 as of January 2, 2012.

ABS-CBN stars and shows are also labeled as the most popular online on both Facebook and Twitter as they also received the most number of likes and followers compared to those from rival networks.

Kapamilya stars Vice Ganda (3,687,842 likes) and Angel Locsin (2,509,645 likes), grabbed the top two spots among the most liked Facebook pages in the country followed by ABS-CBN’s morning talent show “Showtime” (2,370,759 likes) on third, still based on data from Social Bakers.

Anne Curtis, on the other hand, remains to be the most followed Filipina on Twitter with 2,116,672. Joining her among the five celebrities with more than one million Twitter followers are Angel Locsin (1,285,841), Vice Ganda (1,228,698), Kris Aquino (1,133,057), and Sam Milby, (1,049,626).

Stay updated with the latest from ABS-CBN and like its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ABSCBNnetwork and follow it on Twitter at www.twitter.com/abscbn.

ABS-CBN, Leading TV Network on Facebok and Twitter originally appeared on Starmometer on January 3, 2012.

Veteran broadcast journalist Noli de Castro will anchor the rundown, which will tackle events that shook the country and the world in 2011. To be retold are stories about shocking crimes and anomalies and devastating natural calamities like the recent typhoon Sendong, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March, and the series of typhoons in the country. The special will also look into the consequential changes in the local political arena, the PNoy-GMA conflict, financial crises, and as well as the plight of overseas Filipino workers caught in crisis-stricken Middle East.

The yearender will also revisit the heated debates on different social concerns, such as the reproductive health (RH) bill, the divorce bill and the controversial Kulo art exhibit.

But the rundown will not be without lighthearted moments. Also to be featured are inspiring stories such as the Prince William-Kate Middleton wedding, Pope John Paul’s beatification and the legacy of Steve Jobs.

Joining Kabayan Noli de Castro in recapping the biggest news of the year is a roster of esteemed and multi-awarded journalists, which includes Gus Abelgas, Jorge Carino, Dyan Castillejo, Karen Davila, Mario Dumaual, Alvin Elchico, Ted Failon. Lynda Jumilla, Henry Omaga-Diaz, Korina Sanchez, and Anthony Taberna.

Cat c h “Dos Mil Onse,” the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs yearend special on ABS-CBN on Saturday (Dec 31), 10:30 p.m until 11:30 p.m., and on Sunday (Jan 1) 10:15 p.m until 12:15 p.m.

ABS-CBN Presents Yearend Special ‘Dos Mil Onse’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 31, 2011.

Last Wednesday, December 28, GMA-7′s corporate communications consultant Butch Racquel has sent a media advisory to Starmometer saying a part of ABS-CBN’s press releases about TV ratings is not true:

“ABS-CBN shifted to Kantar Media/TNS after filing a case vs. AGB Nielsen Media Research for failing to comply with its request to investigate alleged cheating and data tampering in TV ratings. The case is still pending in court.”

GMA-7 claims that ABS-CBN’s civil case against AGB Nielsen has already been dismissed by the court (CLICK HERE FOR RELATED ARTICLE).

ABS-CBN respond to the said media advisory via a text message to Starmometer last night, December 29, pointing out that the case is indeed pending in court:

“The ABS-CBN case against AGB is still pending resolution at the Court of Appeals, contrary to what GMA says has already been resolved. GMA is not party to the case and should refrain from commenting on it.”

- Bong Osorio, Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

ABS-CBN Releases Statement on GMA-7′s Media Advisory originally appeared on Starmometer on December 30, 2011.

GMA-7′s corporate communications consultant Butch Racquel has sent the following public statement to Starmometer regarding ABS-CBN’s civil case against AGB Nielsen:

This refers to the claim perpetually made by ABS-CBN in its ratings press releases regarding the case (docketed as No. Q-07-61665) filed against AGB Nielsen Philippines (AGB) in 2007.

Lifted below is a portion of ABS-CBN’s ratings press release that strongly aims to discredit AGB as a ratings service provider in the media industry.

“ABS-CBN shifted to Kantar Media/TNS after filing a case vs. AGB Nielsen Media Research for failing to comply with its request to investigate alleged cheating and data tampering in TV ratings. The case is still pending in court.”

This claim was verified to be untrue. The case filed by ABS-CBN against AGB was dismissed by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Presiding Judge Charito Gonzales on January 7, 2008 for being prematurely filed. The Court likewise denied the Motion for Reconsideration filed by ABS-CBN in an Order dated June 8, 2009.

On January 5, 2010, Atty. Maila Doroteo Santos, Branch Clerk of the Quezon City RTC issued a Certificate of Finality, which confirms the Court’s Decision on the said case as final and executory.

ABS-CBN sought relief from the judgment earlier rendered by filing a Petition on ground that “it did not receive” a copy of the June 8, 2009 Order. RTC Judge Charito Gonzales found the Petition dismissible based on “both substantive and procedural grounds.”

In an Order dated October 27, 2010, Judge Gonzales said that “the ‘incoming pleadings’ document presented by the petitioner’s (ABS-CBN) counsel to prove that it did not receive a copy of the Order dated June 8, 2009, besides being self-serving, cannot be said to faithfully reflect all the pleadings received by petitioner’s counsel.” A return card attached to the records of the case evidenced that the Order was duly received by ABS-CBN’s counsel on June 23, 2009.

Hence, the Court stated that based on procedural ground, it cannot grant ABS-CBN relief from judgment under Rule 38 of the Revised Rules of Court as it was justly given the opportunity to file an appeal but it did not within the prescribed period.

Copies of the Certificate of Finality dated January 5, 2010, and the Orders dated October 27, 2010 and March 21, 2011 are hereby affixed for your further reference.

While ABS-CBN may have business reasons to cite the ratings data of Kantar Media in its ratings releases, we are hoping that you can give credence to the ruling of the Court, which renders the above mentioned civil case as closed/dismissed.

For the interest of your readers, who deserve only truthful information, we request that you reconsider the continued publication of the aforementioned quote lifted from the ABS-CBN releases.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
(Sgd.)
Butch S. Raquel
GMA Consultant for Corporate Communications

Noted by
(Sgd.)
Atty. Lynn P. Delfin
GMA VP for Legal Affairs

References:

AGB Nielsen – Certificate of Finality

AGB Nielsen – Order Dated 27 Oct 2010

AGB Nielsen – Order Dated 11 March 2011

ABS-CBN sent a short statement to Starmometer this afternoon, December 29, via SMS regarding GMA-7′s media advisory:

“Why is GMA making a comment when it is not party to this case?”

Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Head

GMA-7 Releases Media Advisory Regarding ABS-CBN’s Claims on Case Filed Against AGB Nielsen (UPDATED) originally appeared on Starmometer on December 29, 2011.