Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta visits GMA Network

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta on Thursday visited the GMA Network during his official visit to the Philippines.

Ramos-Horta was welcomed by the network executives led by GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, according to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report.

“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 Gozon.

The Timor-Leste President is set to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, November 10, for a bilateral meeting. 

A former journalist and a freedom fighter, Ramos-Horta was awarded 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.

“There is so much to learn from your experience in working for a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor,” said Gozon.

Ramos-Horta thanked GMA Network Inc. for the recognition 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,” Ramos-Horta quipped. 

"With this visit, I hope President Marcos Jr.  will visit Timor-Leste then we will look before, during and after his visit, how to upgrade the relationship,” he added. 

Gozon, for his part, said GMA Network Inc. 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 Gozon.

Other network officials present during the meeting were GMA EVP and Chief Financial Officer Felipe Yalong, Senior Vice President Annette Gozon Valdez, SVP and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso.

Also in attendance were SVP and Head of Entertainment Group Lilybeth Rasonable, and VP and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz. 

Meanwhile, broadcast journalist Vicky Morales of GMA Integrated News sat with Ramos-Horta for a one-on-one interview that will be aired on November 10.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News