Today, May 5, marks the anniversary of the shut down of the largest broadcasting network in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. Despite being franchise-less, the Network, along with its growing talents has shown that they truly embody what is the real meaning of “in the service of the Filipino.”
Exactly on May 5, 2020, ABS-CBN stopped airing its programs after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released a cease and desist order after its franchise expired. The Network’s franchise renewal application was even blocked by Pres. Duterte through the Cayetano-led Congress, with a 70-11 vote not in favor to grant it a fresh 25-year license.
After a year since going franchise-free, Kapamilya celebrities marked this important date serving as a reminder that the Network, even without its ability to air on free TV, is still standing.
The Gold Squad member Francine Diaz shared ABS-CBN’s message to the Filipinos–”Andito Kami Para Sa’yo“—showing that despite the Network’s loss of franchise, it is still doing its best to provide news and information as well as entertain its viewers.
— Francine Diaz (@francinecarreld) May 5, 2021
Francine’s fellow squadmate, Kyle Echarri also remembered the anniversary of the Network’s forced closure a year ago. Despite being out of free TV, Kyle highlighted that ABS-CBN is reaching out to Filipinos in “many ways and different platforms”, serving its mission to be of service to the Filipino people.
https://twitter.com/kyle_echarri/status/1389847276764336129
Other celebrities like singer Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and “It’s Showtime” dancer Jackie Gonzaga also supported ABS-CBN’s message to its Kapamilya supporters.
https://twitter.com/reginevalcasid/status/1389846716615208962
https://twitter.com/jackiegirlg/status/1389860683504779265
Others, like Star Hunt artist, Reign Parani, and singers Ogie Alcasid, Jeremy G, and Kyla also stressed that the Network will remain serving Filipinos.
WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU.#AnditoKamiParaSayo #KapamilyaForever
— Reign (@iamreignp) May 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/ogiealcasid/status/1389852494046576642
https://twitter.com/kylaessentials/status/1389842414832132096
#AnditoKamiParaSaYo#IbalikAngABSCBN pic.twitter.com/NKOCOq7AZh
— Jeremy G (@imjeremyg) May 5, 2021
Singer Enzo Almario expressed his gratitude to the loyal Kapamilya fans who were always there to support the Network.
Maraming salamat mga Kapamilya dahil lagi kayong naandyan para sa amin! #AnditoKamiParaSaYo pic.twitter.com/g9LQAVRuqY
— enzo (@enzo_almario) May 5, 2021
Actor Edward Barber even stressed that despite ABS-CBN reaching one year of being franchise-free, the Network is still standing.
https://twitter.com/Barber_Edward_/status/1389831885983911939
It’s Showtime host, Vice Ganda also recalled how the Network was shut down by its detractors, amid the pandemic. However, ABS-CBN’s critics did not succeed since the broadcast giant is still standing, giving its best to serve Filipinos.
Isang taon na ang nakalipas ng tangkain ng mga ganid at masasamang loob na ang mga KAPAMILYA ay mapagkaitan ng serbisyong kailangang kailangan nila lalo sa panahon ng pandemya. Ngunit di sila lubos na nagtagumpay. Dahil andito pa rin kami at patuloy na isinasabuhay pic.twitter.com/orKCfKDUMd
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) May 5, 2021
Meanwhile, Starpop Label Head Roque Rox Santos thanked Kapamilyas who made the hashtag #IbalikAngABSCBN the no. 1 topic on Twitter. With it being the most-talked matter, it only means that the people are yearning for ABS-CBN’s return on free TV.
https://twitter.com/roxsantos/status/1389829921745235968
Indeed, it has been over a year since ABS-CBN got denied its license to operate free-to-air broadcast. However, the Network ventured into the growing digital platform to still reach its target audience —Filipinos. It also collaborated with other networks such as A2Z and TV5 to return on free TV.
Slowly, ABS-CBN is returning to its former glory as of the network with the largest reach in the Philippines. And soon, when it gets its license back, the Network will be stronger than ever.
