Shutdown of ABS-CBN: A debacle

The Chamber expresses grave concern at the National Telecommunications Commission’s Cease and Desist Order (CDO) directing ABS-CBN to stop operating its stations nationwide.

In the midst of a global pandemic grimly affecting the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos and the economy of the country, the order to shutdown a major Broadcasting company that is a source of vital information, education, and social fulfillment for all, is manifest of a systemic misplaced disregard for the Filipino people and country by concerned government agencies and the Lower house.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN also manifests a distorted sense of priorities coming at a time when POGOs are being allowed to reopen despite its failure to pay the proper taxes and with its attendant partner crimes of prostitution, kidnapping, corruption, bribery, drugs etc.

We stand with millions of Filipinos who need ABS-CBN for its informational, social fulfillment, and educational services expertise that it provides, especially during these crucial times, and we pray, hope and request for sanity to stop this debacle. — JOSE LUIS U. YULO JR, president, JOSE FERNANDO ALCANTARA, PhD, executive director, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands