Axe to grind

We felt sorry for couple Tintin Bersola Babao and Julius Babao who were both axed from their morning show Magandang Umaga Pilipinas. While viewers are now watching a new set of hosts in the morning show of ABS-CBN called Umagang Kay Ganda, we cannot understand how the executives of Kapamilya managed to axe people who have been in the morning show for a decade.

It is also sad that the couple were not able to formally bid goodbye to their followers, from Alas singko y Media to MUP after we found out that they are suspended for reportedly leaking information to the press. A source said that a thorough investigation was held and the management found out that the couple revealed about the confidential information of the show. And the couple even revealed on their radio program that there would be a new show replacing their morning program.

In a recent talk with Maria Ressa, during the launching of Umagang Kay Ganda, both (Luchie Cruz Valdez and Maria) executives are trying to appear unaware of the situation.

Luchie, who used to be a GMA-7 reporter, claimed that the couple was axed because the show was not posting good ratings anymore and though the ratings improved, it never outdid its rival, Unang Hirit. Furthermore, she said she doesn’t know about the lineup of hosts since all things were already settled when she came in to the show.

Maria, on the other hand, denied there had been suspensions among its staff or hosts. She even said that she wanted to explain the reason behind the couple’s suspension but their department has a code of ethics they must follow. And before our interview ended, this News and Current Affairs executive asked us who our source was.

Definitely, we are one of those who wrote about ABS-CBN’s plan to put up a new show and the lineup of the hosts who are now on board the morning show. But for the record, neither Julius nor Tintin disclosed to us about the plan. So it is sad that the couple had to suffer a suspension order.

Asking who our source of information is like asking a chef for his secret recipe. Journalists have the duty to protect their sources. I think both Maria and Luchie know this.
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