Jane de Leon finally broke her silence on ABS-CBN’s shutdown. Congress denied ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal earlier this month.
This led other lawmakers, citizens, rights groups, employees, and celebrities to speak out in protest against this move.
Among them, former Darna actress Angel Locsin has been one of the most active in defending the network. She joined the noise barrage protest along with other Kapamilya stars on Saturday, July 18, following the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise bid.
Angel called out her fellow Kapamilya artists in the protest. She said, “Sa lahat ng artistang hindi nagsasalita, ano? May career pa ba kayo? Wala na, wala na kayong network… Kahit magpa-cute kayo diyan sa Instagram.”
In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Jane, who has been tapped as the next Darna, aired her thoughts regarding ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
Jane said that with the many problems globally and locally “each of us has a different approach on how to resolve and overcome these challenges.”
The 21-year-old star stated that she was hurt seeing the situation of ABS-CBN, which she acknowledged as her second home.She also expressed her thanks to ABS-CBN and its management.
She explained that her support for the network is not just seen as rallying in the streets despite the viral outbreak.
“My support to the current crisis that the network is facing right now is not just measured by going out in the streets in this time of pandemic.”
Jane noted the hard work of health workers fighting against COVID-19 in the country and added that we should avoid the increase of COVID-19 cases.
“Let’s not forget that our Frontliners continue to face life and death situations as they are being challenged in saving more lives… Dadagdag pa ba tayo sa lumolobong bilang at patuloy na pagtaas ng COVID cases sa ating Bansa?”
“Masama pa bang maging positibo lang sa ating pananaw sa kabila ng kahirapan at paghihinagpis?”she said.
“We can show our support in many ways. Let us not be judgmental and imposing on what others should do according to personal standards and beliefs. Tuloy po ang buhay at tuloy din po ang suporta natin sa pinagdadaanan ng ating network at mga kapwa natin Kapamilya,” she continued.
In conclusion, Jane said, “Prayers are always the strongest and most powerful weapon in this time of crisis.”
After releasing her statement, Jane received heavy criticisms from netizens who compared her to Angel. Many said Jane doesn’t deserve to be the new Darna. Others also said that a Darna doesn’t only pray but also acts for her part.
In a statement, the World Health Organization has implied that public protests are important despite pandemic.
“WHO fully supports equality and the global movement against racism. We reject discrimination of all kinds,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on June 8.
Though he noted that protesters must follow the guidance of local health officials and take precautions like wearing a mask, washing hands, and avoiding close contact.
“We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely,” he said.
