Montano Water asks Post's apology; Ed stands by story

The management of Montano Purified Water which was the subject of a banner story of the Post last week sought an apology from the Post to be published in all local newspapers but the paper's editor-publisher remains unyielding to the demand. Rommel Manhilot, operations manager of the Baclayon-based water provider made the demand in a letter mailed to all newspapers based in Tagbilaran. Of all the newspapers which received copies of the letter, only the Bohol Chronicle and the Bohol Times sought the side of the Post arising from the Manhilot demand.

The Post is reserving comments of the Manhilot reaction. The Post editor-publisher is expecting long drawn verbal exchanges in media outlets in Tagbilaran. Manhilot, younger brother of actor Cesar Montano, in reaction to the banner story said that the headline “Couple sue water firm of Montanos was very malicious, shameful, and placed “us in a very embarrassing position”.

A couple from Montana, Baclayon identified as Tito and Annalou Guingguing sued the water outfit management represented by Manhilot of alleged illegal dismissal, non-paynent of 13th month pay among other labor laws violations. In an effort to make a balanced reporting, the Post tried to get the side of the water firm but nobody answered in the company phone.

According to Manhilot, had the Post called him of the side of the story, he would have willingly provided the necessary information so that the story will be balanced and not one-sided. The threatening part of Manhilot's reaction was that if the Post will not issue a public apology, “we shall be forced to seek legal redress against you and all the members of the editorial staff”.

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