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The same Lawmakers who ‘killed’ ABS-CBN’s franchise last year approved August 30 as Press Freedom day; Netizens think of it as hypocrisy

BernardoBy No Comments3 Mins Read

Congress’s hypocrisy is palpable as they passed a bill celebrating the National Press Freedom Day on August 30, and on the same day when most ABS-CBN journalists lost their jobs last year.

Last year, the Congress, some members are Duterte’s allies, maintained to follow the ‘Kill, Kill, Kill’ legacy of the Administration as it voted to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bid. Despite being cleared by regulating agencies, the said media company got deprived of its franchise.

The non-renewal of its franchise caused the Network’s shut down, pushing to cancel its shows and even laying off most of its workers, including journalists.

Many believed that what occurred was a sign of oppression and a threat against press freedom as journalists lost a platform to get heard.

A year after, the Network is slowly coping with its status as ‘franchise-less.’ The media company conquered online platforms and partnered with other channels to continue their service to the Filipino people.

However, considering all of the trouble Congress has inflicted on ABS-CBN and its workers, specifically the journalists–the House voted to dedicate August 30 as National Press Freedom day, which is ironic.

It is ironic because the same day last year, ABS-CBN officially laid off about 90% of its workers, and regional network groups also bid farewell.

Also, the three co-authors of the said bill voted against the Network’s franchise renewal bid last year. They are Bulacan 1st District Representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Isabela 3rd District Representative Ian Paul Dy, and Ilocos Sur 1st District Representative Deogracias Savellano.

This ironic decision of Congress became a target of criticisms online.

Journalists and celebrities pointed out the hypocrisy of how these lawmakers agreed to celebrate press freedom but were also the ones who voted to cut ABS-CBN’s ‘freedom’ to air.

https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/1400089223936430085?s=20

https://twitter.com/raffymagno/status/1400006229712269316?s=20

https://twitter.com/imJCAlcantara/status/1400044023285305344?s=20

Netizens slammed Congress for the irony and its ‘clownery.’ Some even think that they are doing it to clear up their names for the coming election.

https://twitter.com/sonyeoshiiin/status/1400058346095271944?s=20

https://twitter.com/msmaychuu/status/1400109194783559681?s=20

https://twitter.com/shnhxjn/status/1400289731494088705?s=20

https://twitter.com/franciservando/status/1400076646816751622?s=20

https://twitter.com/bravonotbiscuit/status/1400067049150312448?s=20

Being the country’s largest media network, ABS-CBN has an extensive reach and contributes to news and information dissemination, but now, it has become limited.

Congress is also working to pass a bill that will allow 100% foreign ownership of natural resources, public utilities, educational institutions, media, and advertising companies in the Philippines. To recall, such ground on foreign ownership became one of the alleged violations of ABS-CBN discussed during the hearing last year. Another ironic move from solons.

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