In two separate posts on her Facebook page, seasoned news anchor Kathy San Gabriel confirmed that she was fired by state-run People’s Television Network where she worked for 11 years.
“Ang daming nagtatanong through PM at text message. Totoo po, I was just informed last night that my newscast tomorrow will be my last in PTV. Maraming salamat sa inyong naging tiwala at pagsubaybay sa labing isang taon kong pagseserbisyo sa bayan,” she posted, Thursday, June 29.
(“Many are asking through private and text messages. Yes, it’s true. I was just informed last night that my newscast tomorrow will be my last in PTV. Thank you very much for your trust and for following my 11 years of service to the country.”)
San Gabriel, however, will not be having her final broadcast this Friday, after all.
“No words. I was informed by PTV management two days ago that today will be my last day at work. Kahit malungkot, tinanggap ko ang naging desisyon ng pamunuan ng network. Mamayang gabi sana ang huli kong newscast. Bagamat alam kong magiging emosyonal, gusto ko sanang kunin ang pagkakataong iyon para magpasalamat sa inyo sa pagsubaybay sa mahigit isang dekada kong pagbabalita sa PTV. Ngunit ikinalulungkot kong hindi ko magagawa iyon. Nagdesisyon po ang pamunuan ng People’s Television na huwag akong papasukin mamayang gabi. I was not given the dignity of a goodbye,” she subsequently posted.
(“No words. I was informed by PTV management two days ago that today will be my last day at work. While saddened, I accepted the decision of the network’s management. Tonight was supposed to be my last newscast. Although I know it will be emotional, I was hoping to take the opportunity to thank everyone for following my newscasts for over a decade. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do that. The management of People’s Television have decided not to allow me to report to work tonight. I was not given the dignity of a goodbye.”)
San Gabriel’s post accompanied a screenshot of a text message purportedly from someone from PTV who she did not identify.
“Ms. Kathy, good morning po. Negative feedback po sa PTV yung posts ng mga tao. Pasensiya na po, nag-decide ang management na wag na po kayo papasukin today sa newscast. I hope you understand, thank you po. God bless,” went the text message.
(“Good morning, Ms. Kathy. People posted negative feedback on PTV. Sorry but management has decided not to allow you for today’s newscast. I hope you understand. Thank you and God bless.”)
San Gabriel did not say categorically say why she was let go by PTV. Her other posts, however, hinted at what seemed like differences with the network management.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga baguhan sa broadcasting na para magtagal ka sa industriyang ito, dapat gawa sa semento ang sikmura mo. Good morning, it’s a brand new day … Sabi ng isa kong kaibigan, ‘Kahit manalo pa sila sa lotto nang sampung beses, di nabibili at nareretoke ang budhi.’ Good night!..No regrets, just love.”
(“I always tell newcomers to broadcasting that to last long in this industry, you need cement guts. Good morning, it’s a brand new day … A friend said, ‘Even if they win the lotto ten times, you can never buy or repair conscience.”)
The network has neither commented nor issued any statement on Gabriel’s termination on its social media pages. Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar has likewise not commented on the matter either although Assistant Secretary Ramon Cualoping directed InterAksyon to PTV President and General Manager Dino Apolonio, who could not be reached for comment.