Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 6) — The government’s closure of media giant ABS-CBN knows no bounds. Personalities from GMA, ABS-CBN’s rival network, set aside competition and sent messages of solidarity to their counterparts.
A minute after ABS-CBN went off air on Tuesday night following the cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission, Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez described the event that unfolded in one word: “Appalling.”
On her Instagram Story, she shared a post highlighting the importance of press freedom, saying it ensures that the abuse of every other freedom can be known and can be challenged and defeated.
Actress Gabbi Garcia was in disbelief over the signing off of ABS-CBN.
TV host Maine Mendoza expressed her support by tweeting out three heart emojis in the color of ABS-CBN’s logo.
Singer Julie Anne San Jose offered prayers and comfort for the 11,000 artists and workers of ABS-CBN.
Actor and TV host Paolo Ballesteros also sent some love to Kapamilya stars.
News anchor Atom Araullo, meanwhile, mourned with his former colleagues. He also underscored the importance of giving the media the freedom to report news.
Journalist Joseph Morong, who regularly covered President Rodrigo Duterte, said history will guide the public through this dark moment.
This is the second time ABS-CBN was forced to go off the air; the first time was in September 1972 when the then-President Ferdinand Marcos placed the country under martial law.
The network signed off at 7:52 p.m. on Tuesday, hours after the National Telecommunications Commission ordered the giant broadcast network to stop operations due to the expiry of its legislative franchise on May 4, 2020. The shutdown covers five AM stations, including DZMM, 18 FM stations and 42 TV stations, including Channels 2 and 23.
Some analysts noted that the NTC’s cease-and-desist order came in the middle of the country’s need for information amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Numerous bills seeking to grant ABS-CBN Corporation a fresh 25-year franchise remain pending in Congress. Media outlets are required to secure legislative franchises. Such bills must first be approved by the House of Representatives before they are acted upon by the Senate.
Duterte has been publicly ranting against ABS-CBN since assuming office in 2016, saying that the network refused to carry his campaign commercials even if they had been already paid for.
In 2018, Duterte said he will block the renewal of the network’s franchise. Last year, he told the Lopez family to just sell the company to a new owner to boost its chances of staying in business.
However, the President accepted the apology offered by ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak during a Senate hearing for airing an anti-Duterte ad during the 2016 campaign which was paid for by the opposition.
Appalling.
— 🌺JANINE (@janinegutierrez) May 5, 2020
Grabe.
— Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi) May 5, 2020
♥️💚💙
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) May 5, 2020
Yakap at dasal ❤️💚💙
— JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE (@MyJaps) May 5, 2020
Sorrow today, courage and defiance tomorrow. #DefendPressFreedom
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) May 5, 2020
