PBS defends airing of 'Wow China' program on state radio

By Genalyn Kabiling A government broadcasting firm has defended the airing of “Wow China” program on state radio, saying the show aims to inform and entertain, and not promote a political view or cause. The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), supervises Radyo Pilipinas RP1 over which the controversial program is aired. "Wow China is an hour-long educational program that has been airing Saturday and Sunday afternoons on RP1 since 2018, and is independently produced by China Radio International. Co-hosted by a PBS anchor and broadcast in Filipino, the show features the traditions, culture, and history of both the Philippines and China, as well as the differences and similarities between the two countries," PBS said in a statement Tuesday. "Its format is light, informative, and entertaining; in no way whatsoever does it espouse or promote a particular political view or cause," it added. PBS explained that the program is part of the country's bilateral communication pact with China aimed at enhancing cultural relations, information exchange, and strengthening broadcast capability.The program is a collaboration between PBS and China Radio International. "Let us not create confusion, cultivate fear and anger, or propagate divisiveness at a time when the country needs us to stand united; instead, let us work together to overcome this challenge as one nation," the PCOO agency said. Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier called for the immediately cancellation of the radio program that allegedly promotes China and its ideology on the government broadcast facility. She said the airing of the program on a platform funded by taxpayers' money was a betrayal of the Filipino people. The radio program has also reportedly drawn flak from some netizens for alleging promoting Chinese interests. PBS, however, dispelled allegations it was giving special treatment to China, saying it has similar communication agreements with other countries. "Apart from China, PBS has also worked with other countries, and extended airtime as well, to air their news, socio-cultural, and tourism content for the educational benefit of Filipinos. These include agreements with the United Kingdom’s BBC and Thailand’s Sawasdee. It is also likewise noteworthy to note that PBS-BBS is in cooperation with the Voice of America (USA)," it said. PBS said the state radio station has also aired news and features on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East Asian Growth Area (BIMP EAGA). "It has additionally been promoting The Sound of Southeast Asia, by celebrating popular music from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam," it added. PBS also said they respect the right of the public to express their views, and will stay committed to disseminating relevant news and information, especially during this coronavirus crisis. "We have been working hand-in-hand with the different agencies and units of the government to ensure that communication with the Filipino people is constant and consistent," it said. "Now, more than ever, PBS remains steadfast and true to its mandate of being the broadcast arm of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and its people," it added.