Radio station ordered closed for maligning local official

A mayor in a southern Philippine city ordered the closure of a local radio station, which had been criticizing him on-air.

Mayor Jose Galario Jr. of Valencia City, Bukidnon, cancelled the business permit of Radio Mindanao Network’s station dxVR-FM on 25 July 2005. Galario said dxVR acting station manager Joash Dignos violated a city law, accusing the latter of using the station in a “disorderly and unlawful manner.”

For his part, Dignos said that his articles alleging Galario of protecting suspected anti-drug vigilantes and malversation of funds made the mayor mad.

Galario, who has been known for his hostile treatment of media practitioners, had no plans to reinstate the station’s license. Despite his having a one-hour block time program at the station, the mayor claimed he was not given a chance to answer Dignos’ allegations.

Local reports said Galario also filed multiple libel charges against the station’s commentator Zaldy Ocon after a verbal clash on-air last July 5.

However, Judge Gentiles-Bacal of the Regional Trial Court granted a temporary restraining order against Galario’s order.

Comments are closed.