Enchong Dee showed strong support for ABS-CBN in the face of government officials hindering its franchise renewal which may lead to a shutdown.
As one of the long-time contract artists of ABS-CBN, Enchong lamented there are fellow artists who are hesitant to express their support or even voice out what they really feel for fear of hurting their reputation.
Worse still, some artists, who bravely stand for what they believe in, get reprimanded and bashed by netizens when it corresponds to politics.
“I always tell people that ‘Artists should be the first line of defense of our democracy’, people tend to agree, but mostly do nothing about it or get reprimanded for saying something political. Very few listen and even fewer are brave enough to stand their ground because of their ‘reputation’. Now that ABS-CBN (my home for almost 15 years) is being wrongly accused of so many things. I am angry. I am sad. I am bothered.”
Enchong firmly believes that ABS-CBN’s fight to obtain its franchise renewal is not only for the thousands of employees’ lives but, to fight for the democracy as well as the constitution of the Philippines.
“But again, this is not the first time that we will pass through a dark tunnel. I know that we will rise together stronger than ever before kasama ng libo libong empleyado ng ABS-CBN. I am a Filipino first and my job comes second, let’s be vigilant not only because jobs are in peril, but mainly because we are Filipinos fighting for the democracy and constitution of our country.”
At the end of his post, Enchong anticipated that there would be paid trolls and bashers who will criticize him but if fighting for what he believes in will lead him to lose popularity, he’s more than willing to do it and he’s not afraid to take the risk.
He continued: “I know after this post, paid trolls would attack me but I stand firm with my beliefs and I am not afraid to lose my little popularity.”
#AkoLangTo pic.twitter.com/8zSbWdHoOJ
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) February 12, 2020
Through his straightforward statement, Enchong received praise from netizens for showing bravery in supporting his home network and in pushing for democracy.
So thankful that there are still artists like you, Enchong. Sana all.
— Princess Peachi Pichi (@ladypichipichi) February 12, 2020
I love you, @enchongdee777 "I am a Filipino first and my job comes second"
— SiPotify (@MyQueendomCome) February 12, 2020
You are a man of honor and courage! A role model that anyone should look up to. Right now earned my respect and admiration. You are of one one of the few good men.
— milkoholic2 (@milkoholic2) February 12, 2020
Thank you Enchong for loving our country and standing for democratic principles! Sana all artists are like you with balls and courage to speak up.
— Rey S. Gabitan (@rsgabitan) February 12, 2020
Salute to you. You are just a handful among colleagues who dare to make a stand issues. 👏👏👏
— 🌷sunshine 🌷 (@donut1203) February 12, 2020
And we're hoping more artists will follow suit. Saludo ako sayo!
— Jackie (@jackie032101) February 12, 2020
@vicegandako ganito dapat. Ganyan ang paborito ni Mama. Pasabi din kay Teddie na isang DDS. Lol
— Nash (@NashNacion) February 12, 2020
Hang on bro. Evildoers and bad things won't last. Standby the truth and you'll never get wrong. I admire you, dude.
— Rick Fernandez (@rhick2010) February 12, 2020
Si enchong ang dapat tularan. Consistent na maka Pilipino at mahal ang Pilipinas.
— jedross (@jeddreese) February 12, 2020
Oragon! True blood Nagueño speaks his mind! Not afraid to stand for truth to be told!
— Fallen Angel RN MANc (@zooying) February 12, 2020
At the moment, Enchong Dee is still waiting for the “right” TV series project for him, but he was last seen in The Blood Sisters with Erich Gonzales in 2018. The Sun Life wellness ambassador also hopes to continue helping indigent people through his “Handog Palangoy” advocate which aims to teach basic swimming and water safety skills.