The Philippine Times has been covering the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc’s activities for the past 25 years now. In last year’s Fiesta, the PFVI Committee of Management even sent an invitation for us to attend its Media Launch when it announced it was partnering with the Australia Philippines Business Council and the Philippine Consulate of Melbourne for a Trade Investment Expo. It was indeed a very exciting partnership. We covered the two-day Fiesta and reported what happened, complete with photos on our website, Facebook and our print edition.
This Sunday, 24 July we asked the PFVI that we be allowed to cover its controversial Annual General Assembly. This morning, Mario Dumrique, PFVI Secretary, told us that media is not allowed and the meeting is for members only. But The Philippine Times has been attending their AGM every year.
To the Philippine Fiesta Committee of Management: You have been asking support from The Philippine Times and the Filipino-Australian community when it’s Fiesta time. Now that you are about to report financial transactions and other updates why are we suddenly not allowed?
To the Philippine Fiesta members, attend the AGM, participate, ask questions and more documentations.