Singer and television host Martin Nievera expressed how felt for embattled network ABS-CBN. The Kapamilya network recently received two new cease and desist orders from the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) halting two of its businesses. The franchise renewal of ABS-CBN is still pending on Congress while its franchise hearing is nearing conclusion.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Martin said he could not understand how anyone would want to shut down the Kapamilya network.
He wrote, “As we reach the end of this very painful hearing let me just share with you how affected I am. I am not a lawyer nor do I consider myself a smart man. But I am a kapamilya. A proud kapamilya. I just don’t understand how anyone could want abs-cbn out of the picture completely and not give us a chance to correct our mistakes, right all our wrongs, and continue to serve the Filipino people all over the world.”
The singer said that the network would do better and will not repeat mistakes if given a second chance.
“Why would anyone want to stop us from doing what God intended us to do and that is to inform, inspire, and entertain. We could help all those who unite this country by having us up and running. Who would want to stop us from doing good? Who would stop us from wanting to be better? If given a new franchise I believe we could prove ourselves worthy and we could show those who believe in us that we can be better and not repeat whatever mistakes we have made in the past. Who would want us to NOT have that chance to self improve and just cut us off? Why would anyone want that?”
Martin implied that shutting down ABS-CBN would be like removing a “beautiful picture of our country” and deleting “one of its well known beautiful historical sights”.
“Again, I am not a smart man and I may not know all the facts, but I do know that the Philippines will be incomplete without abs-cbn and anyone who just wants to pull the plug for whatever reasons is not thinking of the greater good. Why would you not want to complete our city of networks by giving abs-cbn a new franchise? It’s like you took a beautiful picture of our country and deleted one of its well known beautiful historical sights.”
In the end, the singer urged everyone to pray for ABS-CBN and hoped that those who will decide on its fate will “make their decision without anger”.
“Please help us pray to keep abs-cbn so we can prove ourselves worthy of this second chance. Please pray those who hold the key to our destiny will think of the greater good and make their decision without anger or spite. Let us continue to serve the Filipino people all over the world. We can do better. We can be better. We just need a chance to prove that we can. #kapmilyaforever”
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ABS-CBN admitted that they are losing millions by the day that they are not broadcasting on air.There is still no valid proof that ABS-CBN has a grave violation of their franchise.
Kapamilya broadcaster Julius Babao believed that what’s happening to ABS-CBN is no longer about the expired franchise but deliberate political persecution and oppression.
Columnist Philip Lustre Jr. also said the issue has gone beyond the normal because the attack dogs of the President in Congress continue to have their heydays.
Senators Sonny Angara, Risa Hontiveros, and Kiko Pangilinan also decried the unfair treatment received by ABS-CBN.