Manila, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has sustained its earlier decision dismissing the P100-million civil suit that network giant GMA Network Inc. (GMA Channel 7) lodged against its rival television company ABS-CBN (Channel 2).
The case stemmed from ABSCBN’s allegation that it stole its exclusive footage of the arrival of Iraqi hostage victim truck driver Angelo de la Cruz in 2004.
Citing the failure of the petitioner to raise new arguments, the CA’s former sixth division denied GMA’s motion for reconsideration on the CA decision last August 15, 2011.
“Acting on the said motion, the Court finds no cogent reason to warrant reconsideration of the said decision. The motion has not raised any new or substantial ground or reason that would call for the countermanding of the Court’s ruling,“ said the two-page resolution of the CA sixth division penned by Associate Justice Florito Macalino. Concurring with the ruling were Associate Justices Juan Enriquez and Ramon Bato Jr.
“Accordingly, there is no justifying circumstance that would sanction the reversal of the decision,“ it added.
Based on court records, the suit stemmed in July 22, 2004 when both networks broadcast the arrival of De la Cruz.
ABS-CBN conducted live audiovideo coverage and broadcast the arrival of De la Cruz at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the subsequent press conference. (Leonard D. Postrado)