The Silenced Character

Resembling the antagonist lurking in the shadows are the hidden motives that have created cobwebs latched onto the pulse of press freedom in the Philippines.

At this time when novel coronavirus cases are escalating rapidly, accurate and relevant information are of utmost significance in accentuating awareness regarding proper precautionary measures and advisories from health experts and government sectors. Media networks and outlets are the foremost shield to a war that may strike from underneath. ABS-CBN must live for the lives of the Filipino people.

The media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation was accused of unlawfully exercising its franchise and disregarding its impact on consumer rights. The claim is strengthened by Section 1(c), Rule 66 of the Rules of Court stating that “a quo warranto petition can be filed against an ‘association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.’”

Solicitor General Jose Calida raised the lack of crucial and necessary permits from the National Telecommunications Commission. Specifically, one of the network’s prime offerings, the ABS-CBN TV plus, operates as a paid television service, thus violating the legislation not to.

The Filipino lawyer broached the network’s alleged ‘foreign ownership’ by granting Philippine Depositary Receipts, beneficial for international investments deemed legal by the Constitution, to foreign companies. Foreseeable transactions of questionable nature may pose risks to Philippine law violation.

Regardless of the claim, ABS-CBN emphasized their Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine Stock Exchange PDR approval. Foreign investments and national requirements weigh indispensable to the country’s and industries’ economic and holistic status. Factors such as validity of judgment and conceivable impact are adequate to dismiss the perspective of hasty compromise.

On May 5, ABS-CBN’s chance of acquiring a franchise renewal was forced to silence as the network went off-air, voicing vows of utilizing online platforms in the meantime. History did repeat itself. Recall the ordered closure of the media company under the 1972 Martial Law. The situation is another risk of generating doubt and fear among the people considering the potential eventuality of the shutdown.

Following the downfall, 11,000 employees were terminated along with their primary source of livelihood. Senator Bato dela Rosa’s remark did not only add insult to the injury, but also spawned innumerable lacerations to humanity when he questioned the magnitude of 11,000 jobs as opposed to the whole nation.

The welfare of the people is of chief importance. However, to pave the way for a path that enables a bright future ahead, inclusivity is important. In the giant media conglomerate’s case, inclusivity concerning the apprehension of integrated aspects, including the fate of the workers in a time of crisis and legal adjustments and processes to address the issue, must be above all a key objective.

As the COVID-19 pandemic remains to be an uncertainty bounded by quarantine abuse, circumstances, and violations, the Philippines needs another voice to truly protect its people. In any fabricated tale, the antagonist fortifies, provided even unknowingly, the protagonist to face every difficulty. It is not too late to consider the possibility of an agreement that equally protects and promotes national unity without undermining the Filipino morals and values.