Communications Secretary Dave Gomez has directed state-run People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) to investigate allegations of workplace abuse and “power-tripping” within its News Department, following a petition from employees accusing a broadcast specialist of harassment.

“This was brought to my attention only yesterday,” Gomez said Saturday, Oct. 4.

“I asked PTV 4 management to look into it and give me a report on the veracity of the allegations and actions taken,” he added, noting that he would ask them for updates on Monday, Oct. 6.

Gomez’ statement came after the majority of PTV-4’s news staff signed a petition submitted to PTNI General Manager Malou Choa-Fagar on Sept. 29, accusing broadcast specialist Dominic Almelor of sustained verbal abuse, intimidation, and misuse of authority over fellow contract-of-service employees.

In their petition, employees described a “toxic work environment” under Almelor’s supervision, saying their “welfare and mental health” had suffered due to repeated verbal assaults and public humiliation.

“Since assuming his post, Mr. Almelor has consistently demonstrated conduct unbecoming of a superior,” the petition stated.

Complainants also claimed that Almelor used contract renewals and performance evaluations as tools of coercion and retaliation.

The petition included screenshots of messages allegedly sent by Almelor to subordinates.

“Next time, pag sinabihan ka na need mag-retake ng anchor, ‘wag ka na umalma ha (Next time, if you’re told to retake an anchor segment, don’t complain, okay?),” one message read.

In another exchange, Almelor allegedly warned, “Hindi pa rin siguro nagsi-sink in sa sistema mo kung ano ang posisyon ko, noh (It seems you still don’t realize what my position is, do you)?”

One complainant said these remarks made them feel unsafe, describing a pattern of verbal harassment and intimidation in the workplace.

Despite the complaints, Almelor was reportedly appointed News Content Head in an office order dated Oct. 1, signed by Choa-Fagar, which further dismayed petitioners who had been calling for his removal.

The petitioners urged PTNI leadership to take “appropriate measures, up to and including his removal from office,” warning that Almelor’s continued presence “undermines the credibility of our institution and contradicts the principles of good governance.”

PTV-4, the government’s flagship television network, operates under the supervision of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).