Global Media Arts (GMA) Network Inc. yesterday filed a P15-million libel case against rival network ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp for airing what it called as erroneous allegations that it manipulated a ratings survey in Bacolod City.

Sued were ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., its talents and personnel: Angelo Palmones, Alona Magsalas, Junrie Hidalgo; Jobert Sucaldito , Cristie Fermin; Luchi Cruz Valdez; Boyet Agustin; Atty. Maximillan Uy; Korina Sanchez; Malou Santos and Luis Andrada; Lani Gutierrez; Romel Gonzales; Nancy Yabut; and, Ian Reyno.

"ABS-CBN distorted, spliced off, and suppressed the accurate and complete statements of Ms. Reforma and made it appear that plaintiff rigged, manipulated the ratings in Bacolod City and that Ms. Reforma admitted in that ambush interview that plaintiff was behind ratings manipulation," GMA Network said in the charge sheet, referring to a radio dzMM interview with AGB Nielsen managing director Maya Reforma.

GMA Network demanded P10 million from ABS-CBN for moral damages, P2.5 million for exemplary damages, P1.5 million for attorney’s fees and P1 million for litigation expenses.

"GMA reputation is very precious and we need to guard it".

Rikki Escudero GMA AVP said that since 2003, GMA has been the No. 1 in Mega Manila and Luzon but unfortunately second in Visayas and Mindanao so they are working hard to be number 1.

"If we were cheating, there will be a surge in ratings in Visayas and Mindanao but there is long gap in the ratings" Escudero said.

ABS-CBN, in a statement, said that filing defamation charges against ABS-CBN diverts attention from the real issue of having a clean TV ratings process, the reason they filed a civil case against AGB-Nielsen Media Research.

"We are disappointed but not surprised by GMA-7’s reactions to the discovery of TV ratings manipulation. It appears that they want to prevent the media from mentioning GMA 7 in connection with cheating in the ratings" ABS-CBN said.