Robredo questions ABS-CBN closure in times of crisis, stresses need for cooperation and unity

“Bakit ito ginawa ngayon sa panahon humaharap tayo sa matinding krisis (Why was this done in the time of facing a crisis)?” This was how Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo opened her statement about the closure of ABS-CBN.

“Wala dapat puwang sa panggigipit at pansariling interes sa mga panahon kung kailan dapat nagtutulungan tayo. All hands on deck dapat. All social institutions—including media—should be united under a single purpose: ang pagsiguro sa kaligtasan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. (There should be no space for oppression or self-interest in a time where we should be helping one another. All hands on deck is a must. All social institutions—including media—should be united under a single purpose: assuring the safety of the lives of the Filipinos,” she continued.

The Vice President stressed that in this COVID-19 crisis when the people are full of worry, it is the free press that is relied upon to provide the timely information needed to make decisions.

“This free flow of information literally saves lives. Closing down ABS-CBN costs lives, on top of unnecessarily burdening the thousands who will lose their jobs,” she added.

Robredo also brought up the subject of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) which the government allowed amidst the pandemic.

“Hindi mahirap matukoy kung alin sa dalawang ito ang mas nakatutulong sa pagtugon sa krisis na kinakaharap natin ngayon (It is not difficult to see which of these two is more helpful in responding to the crisis we are facing),” the Vice President continued.

Robredo ended her statement by saying that she hopes that the administration will see the danger in closing down the television giant.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) earlier ordered the ABS-CBN to “cease and desist” from broadcasting on television and radio on Tuesday, May 5. Its franchise that has been pending in Congress expired the day before. The network which has an estimated 11,000 workers, has been appealing for their application to be reviewed.

ABS-CBN went off-air, leaving a black screen on televisions around 7:52 p.m. parting with the words “This is ABS-CBN Corporation Channel 2, in The Service of the Filipino. Now signing off.”