The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste President, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, was welcomed by GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon during the former’s visit to GMA Network Center last November 9.
Atty. Gozon commended President Ramos-Horta’s leadership and dedication to upholding democracy. Ramos-Horta, a former journalist and a freedom fighter, has been awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, together with Bishop Carlos Belo, in recognition of their long-lasting efforts for the peaceful separation of then East Timor from Indonesia.
“We deeply admire your strong commitment not just to democracy but also to journalism.
In GMA, we believe that the media are holders of public trust which is so delicate and crucial for democracy and freedom to flourish in the country,” said Atty. Gozon. “There is so much to learn from your experience in working for a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor,” he added.
President Ramos-Horta, in turn, thanked GMA and said Timor-Leste and the Philippines shared many similarities.
“I have the greatest respect for Filipinos. Sometimes I joke with American and Chinese friends (that) they fight each other all the time (over) who will rule the world. I said well while you two are fighting one day we all wake up and the Philippines is ruling the world because Filipinos are everywhere,” he shared.
Atty. Gozon further said GMA will help deliver factual information on Timor-Leste and its campaign to introduce Asia’s youngest democracy.
“In GMA, we have a tagline called ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ or genuine service. This means you can count on us to provide information the public needs to know without spins without bias,” assured Atty. Gozon.
Joining Atty. Gozon in meeting President Ramos-Horta were GMA executives Felipe S. Yalong, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Lilybeth G. Rasonable and Angela Javier Cruz.
President Ramos-Horta was with Ambassador-designated Timor Leste to the Philippines, His Excellency, Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva; Director General for Bilateral Affairs Asia & Oceania of MOFAC Marcos Dos Reis Da Costa; Executive Assistant of the President Grazeila Fatima Liu; Principal Advisor to the President of the Republic Nelson Santos; Advisor to the President of the Republic Joí£o Aparicio Guterres; and Director General for Consular and Protocol Affairs Cum Chief of Protocol of the MOFAC José Amorin Diaz.
GMA Integrated News and “24 Oras” anchor Vicky Morales also had an exclusive interview with President Ramos-Horta, which aired last November 10.
