Korina, Kabayan balik TV Patrol

MANILA, Philippines - Kapamilya veteran newscasters are back on primetime newscast. It’s a welcome change to see Noli “Kabayan” de Castro and Korina Sanchez with Ted Failon delivering the day’s hottest news with comprehensive coverage and in multi-platform strategy (using the Internet for online news and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter).

“It’s a company’s decision,” says News and Current Affairs Division head Ging Reyes of TV Patrol’s change of anchors. “Every time there’s a change in host or anchor in a big program, it’s always a company decision. They told me that this has long been in the pipeline. It was just coincidental that I was already here when it was conceived. Any decision to change or promote anchor is really a corporate decision.”

Thus, all the stakeholders are consulted. The result is for the greater interest of the viewers and the company.

”We’re just leveling the playing field now,” says Reyes.

This development has given Noli and Korina another chance at going back to their first love — news broadcasting. Noli left the industry when he became a senator and then vice president. Korina, on the other hand, got married to former Sen. Mar Roxas.

News and Current Affairs Division head Ging Reyes (rightmost) with Noli and Korina.

Noli and Korina will make the news competition stiff. Primetime newscast will definitely be interesting in days to come. And the public is the winner. 

According to Reyes, TV Patrol is ready and is after excellent journalism. It upholds its code of ethics. There will be no changes in editorial policies. The ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast infuses public service. The coverage remains comprehensive. On-cam and off-cam people are committed to truth and service. But Noli, Korina and Ted will go out for the stories. They will work as news presenters and broadcast journalists.

Reyes, then ABS-CBN North America news bureau chief will also strengthen citizen journalism as started by Maria Ressa through Bayan Patrol. It will be a busy day in the newsroom where everybody will respond to the needs of Filipinos here and abroad.

Aside from that, TV Patrol is banking on the three anchors’ strengths. Reyes shares Noli has that masa appeal. Korina is known for being fearless. Ted is relentless in campaigning for an issue until its resolution.

“I hope we can help again in the presentation of news in TV Patrol,” says Noli during the short welcome ceremony held at the ABS-CBN newsroom. “(Hopefully,) we can be instruments of our country and God for progress. Sana wala tayong masagasaan. At kung may masagasaan man, sana tama ang ating sagasa. Kidding aside, I’m thankful that I’m still welcome here (at ABS-CBN).”

“I’m thankful,” adds Korina. “We never expected your warm welcome. I never thought of coming back (here). At sana mag-rate tayo.”

It was a homecoming for Noli, Korina — and Ging who worked with the two back in 1986 after martial law.

“I grew up in ABS,” recalls Reyes who replaced Maria Ressa. “So, it was like coming home. I’m always familiar with the operations. The adjustment was not that difficult. I had more than two weeks for the transition period and turnover. Laking ABS naman ako. And I know ABS inside and out. I know the people from the production assistant to the driver, up to the managers and reporters.”

What’s next for former TV Patrol World anchors Julius Babao and Karen Davila?

Reyes replies Julius confirmed that he’s staying with ABS. He will do Bandila and XXX. She had a talk with Karen for the latter’s future shows. Karen will be part of ABS but she has to think whether to do Bandila or not.

Having Julius and Karen as anchors of Bandila with Ces Drilon will beef up the Kapamilya network’s late-night newscast. It’s just about finding the talents’ strengths and positioning them in right platforms. The new Bandila will be relaunched three weeks from now.

Asked about her relationship with Maria, Reyes replies, “Very good. In fact, we had a lot of interaction before. Maria has been trying to get me back since 2008 to be her deputy — one of her heads. There was a time, she asked me to be her OIC. She even offered me a vice president position.”