s Shutting down ABS-CBN

The coronavirus desolation I’ve been feeling during the last few weeks was compounded by the closure of ABS-CBN. In the evening of May 5, I sat in my rocking chair, watching Noli de Castro, Bernadette Sembrano and Ted Failon deliver the news. I thought the curtains would close at midnight, in fulfillment of the National Telecommunications Office’s  cease and desist order, but at past seven the network’s stars slowly appeared, including former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Cancio, and then they all sang the Philippine National Anthem with bravura. Why, I said to myself, why are they singing the anthem, are they singing goodbye?  At exactly eight, the TV screen went black and out. It felt sad, the closing of the country’s largest network.

Facebook  and other online accounts shudder upon  the closure of the network. I am sharing the comments of colleagues and writers I have not met, to show their mournful reaction to what is generally perceived as slamming journalists’ freedoms of speech and expression, to criticize and give advice.

Philippine STAR columnist  Boo Chanco: I can’t believe it is happening again. The first time ABS-CBN was closed was the night they implemented martial law. Stayed closed for 14 years. Now here it is again. The owners could have chosen to play it safe by just sticking to telenovelas. But the late Geny Lopez made it clear to me when he asked me to set up the cable news channel that the network stands for greater things … serving the Filipino by providing news and public affairs programs that enable them to be better informed citizens. But stepping on powerful toes goes with carrying out that mission. To their credit, the owners gave the journalists in the newsroom full support . . . even when the powers that be were taking it out on their other businesses. The network will be back. And better than ever.

Inday Espina-Varona: Work goes on. ABS-CBN News continues operations. So, with ANC and dzmmTeleradyo. On whatever platform, ABS-CBN journalists will carry on even as the struggle continues in the legal arena.

Silence is not an option.

This is what service to the Filipino people means.

Angeli P Valenciano: Just wondering. POGOs continue but ABS-CBN was ordered to stop operations? Millions of fans of these artists  and shows are locked down in their homes without WIFI depending on TV shows of their favorite celebrities to bring them joy. Abroad TFC brings home to the OFWs as well. So sad. forces at work.

Riz Macabidang Honrales: The only thing is, there is no brave opposition leader in this era such as Ninoy did that he can even gamble his life to fight tyranny.

GieBoy Canseco?: Our country faces another contentious issue in which even our families -- will be divided. That’s because on many of these issues there is no absolute right on one side alone...that’s why they’re contentious. The challenge to us is as much as we try to resolve and debate on the issue, contentious as it is, we should remain within the bounds of civility, albeit having totally different opinions. Let’s avoid belittling others nor harboring hatred feelings as we exchange our views and opinions. I don’t mind differences of opinion but I do mind hate.  My heart bleeds to see my beloved country so divided.

When we find ourselves being too biased or too prejudiced, stop awhile...learn to be fair. Listen to all sides, there are three sides to every issue, the PROS – those who are for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, the CONS – those who are against the renewal of the franchise, and the TRUTH – which is what will come out only after the congressional hearing on the network’s franchise renewal.

Carmita Francisco: Can’t imagine ABS CBN gone from the Filipino’s life, especially during these times.

Norma Chikiamco: Shutting down ABS-CBN is a big blow to press freedom.

Blanche Gallardo:  It feels like a very personal loss, and I’m sure I’m not the only one grieving!

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Below is the press statement  of Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto, dated 06 May 2020. This sums up the feelings of millions of Filipinos affected by the closure of the network.

ABS-CBN does not deserve death penalty

The last thing we need in this season of death is an issue that rends our people apart when their attention and energy should be focused on fighting our common enemy.

At a time when more than 1.6 million of our countrymen have lost their jobs, we should not be putting an additional 11,000 people out of work.

At a time when tax collections are down, we should not be shutting down a business which contributes P5 billion in taxes a year.

At a time when 66,000 enterprises have stopped operations, we should not be adding to the number of workplace closures.

At a time when exports are affected, we should be helping a corporation which markets its creative outputs abroad stay afloat.

At a time when truth is as important as tests, tracking, and treatment in fighting the virus, we should not be pulling the plug on a giant bullhorn that announces life-saving information.

At a time when news, information and entertainment help overcome the helplessness and the boredom felt by a quarantined nation, we should instead be ensuring the free flow of this essential commodity.

The NTC should not have used its powers as some sort of a remote control device, which by a mere push of a button shuts off a TV.

It should have obeyed the formal advice of the Department of Justice, the House of Representatives, and the Senate to allow the continued operation of ABS-CBN while the bill extending its franchise is being finalized.

The way forward is for NTC to allow ABS-CBN to resume operations, for the House to immediately pass the bill, and for the Senate to ratify the bill once it receives it from the House.

ABS-CBN, like all corporations which operate under the grace of government, may have committed a few oversights in its operations.

But these were trespasses—none of which so grievous that it would merit the corporate version of the death penalty.

The remedy for government was to slap it with a fine—a hefty one that hurts the pocket—but not to impose the business equivalent of capital punishment.

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