Phil-Am Press Club Statement of Support for ABS-CBN
We, the Philippine American Press Club, USA, join our press and media colleagues in the Philippines in protest against the shut-down of ABS-CBN. We strongly urge the National Telecommunications Commission to reconsider not just the legal grounds for closing it, but also the unstated and ever so carefully hidden motivations of the powers that be and those who stand to gain from this well-orchestrated assault on press freedom.
Filipinos living all over the world have benefited much from the programming, entertainment, news and information from this well-respected broadcasting company in the Philippines. Moreover, ABS-CBN’s foundations have given much to the underserved communities in the Philippines. The network also has raised awareness of outstanding and talented Filipinos across the globe.
It is unconscionable that NTC, a government agency, can be coerced into shutting down the 74-year-old broadcasting institution, throwing out to the streets over 11,000 more unemployed and vulnerable Filipinos especially at the time of Covid-19.
No to NTC Drama. YES TO PRESS FREEDOM!
Member Journalists:
Esther Misa Chavez Lorna Dietz
Rudy Asercion Jojo Peralta
Mandy Chavez Cristina Osmena
Rosario Benipayo Anthony Villegas
Raymond Virata Rodel Rodis
Hiyasmin Quijano Eunice Novio
Jossie Alegre Arnold Pedrigal
Bheng Topacio Ted Laguatan
Wennie Conedy
