MTRCB imposes P20,000 fine on ‘Unang Hirit’

GMA 7’s early morning show “Unang Hirit” got a “grave and serious admonition” from the Movie and Television Review and Classfication Board (MTRCB) for its November 5 episode, which featured host Arnold Clavio's interview with Janet Napoles’ counsel, Atty. Alfredo Villamor.

In a statement posted on its Twitter account on December 5, the MTRCB said it is imposing a P20,000 fine on “Unang Hirit” and ordered it to have a “period of close collaboration for one month" with the Board to ensure that the self-regulatory measures are being practiced.

The committee is also requiring GMA executives, Clavio, and the “Unang Hirit” staff to attend MTRCB Chair Atty. Toto Villareal’s seminar on media and legal profession on December 10 and 11 at the MTRCB office.

It will  be recalled that Clavio drew criticisms after he asked Villamor about Napoles’ Senate hearing on the PDAF [Priority Development Assistance Fund]. Villamor didn’t answer Clavio’s questions because the issue is not within his jurisdiction. Villamor is handling Napoles' illegal detention case instead.

READ: MTRCB to get Unang Hirit's side on Arnold Clavio interview

It was then that Clavio showed his annoyance towards Villamor.

The committee said Villamor must be accorded respect, but the morning show “failed to take immediate, effective, and timely intervention to prevent the live broadcast for the scene with indecorous language and demeanor.”

GMA-7’s statement

MTRCB stated that GMA-7 has submitted a two-page letter with the draft of a public statement for “Unang Hirit,” as well as "proposed remedial and restitutive measures."

GMA’s proposed statement acknowledges that the interview “should have been done differently.”

While Clavio intended to get information regarding Napoles’ attendance in Senate’s hearing, he “admittedly crossed the line of proper conduct.” “Unang Hirit” has apologized “to all those who thought that we went overboard.”

Meanwhile, MTRCB has ordered GMA to air the public statement with the committee’s modification in “Unang Hirit.”

The statement reads, “The program likewise offers its apologies to Atty. Alfredo Villamor in particular, the public in general, and especially to all the members of the legal profession who may have been offended by the words and actions of Mr. Arnold Clavio.”

The ad hoc committee is chaired by Noel del Pardo with Carmen Musngi and Jose Romero as members.