I was just writing my script for PTV’s 9pm newscast when my news desk approached me that the department head, Mr. Edgar Reyes, wanted to talk to me.
Little did I know, he would tell me to no longer report to work.
That was the night before the end of my contract as a News Reporter for PTV. That night, June 29, 2017, I was informed by Mr. Reyes, that the editorial board decided not to include me in the next line up of reporters.
I asked, “how about the 15-day prior notice?”
It was clearly stated in our contract that the employer may pre-terminate its talents anytime by giving them at least a 15-day notice prior the intended date of termination.
However, Mr Reyes just answered (non-verbatim), “Kaya nga endo, ‘di ba?”
To terminate employees is management prerogative. My only concern is the violation of my right to be informed 15 days prior to the non-renewal of contract. I am renting a place in Quezon City, and I was solely depending on my income at PTV to pay my expenses.
In the past few months, there had been a series of terminations at PTV. Same as I, those talents were also not given a 15-day prior notice.
When I was still with the network, I reported on the government’s campaign against end of contract or what we call ENDO.
Ironically, I became a victim. So did my my former colleagues.
I hope that the government would look into this problem, especially that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for the state-run PTV.
[Entry 232, The SubSelfie Blog]
About the Author:
Lala Babilonia was a former reporter for PTV and for GNN. She once covered the AFP beat. Lala is a graduate of Ateneo de Naga.
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