A storm of controversy has erupted in Philippine media circles following the reported dismissal of Dominic Almelor as head of the News Department and newscaster of PTV-4. The issue first gained public attention through a Facebook post by veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo, who provided an unflinching assessment of Almelor’s alleged conduct within the state-run network.

According to Tulfo, Almelor’s removal stemmed not from professional incompetence but from what he described as arrogance and a condescending attitude toward colleagues. In his post, Tulfo recalled several instances in which Almelor allegedly flaunted his educational background to assert superiority over other staff members.

“‘Taga U.P. ako. Taga U.P. ka ba?’” Tulfo quoted Almelor as asking coworkers. The statement, Tulfo argued, exemplifies an attitude that can disrupt teamwork and compromise morale in a newsroom environment. While acknowledging that Almelor indeed graduated from the University of the Philippines, Tulfo insisted that repeatedly emphasizing one’s pedigree is unnecessary and unprofessional.

Tulfo went further to critique the broader implications of such behavior, framing it within the classic IQ versus EQ debate. He suggested that while Almelor may possess a high IQ, or cognitive intelligence, his EQ—or emotional quotient—appears lacking. Emotional intelligence, Tulfo stressed, is crucial in fields that demand collaboration, communication, and public engagement.

“High IQ alone does not guarantee success in real life,” Tulfo wrote. “It is EQ that matters when dealing with colleagues, managing staff, and presenting oneself to the public.”

The Facebook post ignited discussions across social media platforms, with netizens and media professionals weighing in on the appropriateness of Almelor’s removal. Some sided with Tulfo, arguing that personal arrogance, especially in a position of authority, can undermine organizational cohesion and justify dismissal. Others, however, questioned whether the action reflected a genuine concern for workplace harmony or merely a power play within PTV-4.

Critics of Almelor’s alleged conduct highlighted that news organizations thrive not only on journalistic competence but also on the ability to foster a respectful and cooperative work environment. In this context, a news head must balance intellectual capacity with interpersonal skills. Tulfo’s emphasis on EQ underscores a broader concern within media management: the recognition that leadership is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about reporting acumen.

On the other hand, supporters of Almelor have remained largely silent. As of now, Almelor has not issued any public statement addressing the controversy. This absence of comment has only fueled speculation, leaving observers to interpret the circumstances through the lens of internal dynamics at PTV-4.

The timing of Almelor’s dismissal has also prompted discussion. PTV-4, as a state-run television network, operates under heightened scrutiny and political oversight. Observers have questioned whether the removal reflects objective managerial concerns, or if it is influenced by external pressures and internal rivalries. In high-stakes media environments, personnel changes—particularly those involving prominent anchors—are rarely viewed in isolation.

Industry insiders point out that the question of IQ versus EQ is not merely theoretical. In fast-paced newsrooms, a journalist’s ability to communicate effectively, navigate stress, and build consensus is often more critical than raw intellectual ability. Tulfo’s comments suggest that Almelor’s alleged lack of emotional intelligence may have manifested in conflicts that hindered workflow, thereby justifying managerial intervention.

Social media responses have mirrored this divide. Many users agreed with Tulfo’s assessment, emphasizing that repeated displays of arrogance, regardless of talent, erode trust and morale. Others argued that Almelor’s credentials and professional skills should afford him greater leniency, and that dismissal might reflect deeper political maneuvering within the network rather than a purely performance-based decision.

Analysts also note the potential implications for other news organizations. The Almelor incident underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership roles, particularly in public-facing institutions where internal behavior can influence public perception. For state broadcasters, maintaining a culture of respect and professionalism is crucial, as missteps can quickly become matters of national attention.

Adding complexity to the situation is the lack of an official statement from PTV-4’s management. The network has not publicly clarified the reasons for the personnel change, nor has it confirmed the allegations of arrogance. This opacity leaves a vacuum in which speculation flourishes, prompting discussions not only about individual behavior but also about broader issues of media governance and accountability.

The incident raises several questions for media professionals and the public alike: Should a news head be removed for displays of personal arrogance, even if professional competence is intact? How much weight should emotional intelligence carry in evaluating leadership in journalism? And to what extent do internal politics influence personnel decisions within state-run media organizations?

For now, the debate surrounding Dominic Almelor’s dismissal remains unresolved. Tulfo’s commentary has ensured that the issue remains in the public eye, highlighting the tension between talent and temperament in leadership roles. As discussions continue, both supporters and critics are watching closely to see whether Almelor will respond and whether PTV-4 will provide further clarification on the situation.

In the broader context, this controversy serves as a reminder that in any professional setting—particularly in high-pressure environments like newsrooms—intellectual ability alone is insufficient. Respect, collaboration, and the capacity to manage interpersonal dynamics are equally, if not more, important. As Tulfo emphasized, EQ often outweighs IQ when it comes to practical leadership and sustaining healthy professional relationships.

The Almelor case has sparked an important conversation in Philippine media about the qualities that make a competent leader. While professional skills remain essential, the ability to lead with empathy, humility, and awareness of one’s impact on colleagues is increasingly recognized as vital for organizational success. Whether Almelor’s dismissal was justified or a strategic maneuver within PTV-4 remains a subject of debate, but the discussion it has provoked is unlikely to fade soon.

As the public, media colleagues, and industry watchers continue to examine the circumstances, one thing is certain: the incident underscores the enduring relevance of emotional intelligence in journalism. Beyond talent and credentials, the ability to navigate human relationships and maintain a respectful work environment is essential for any newsroom that aspires to credibility and effectiveness.