On Wednesday, January 26, Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN’s senior vice president for news, remains adamant that despite the Network’s shut down nearly two years ago, they are still seeking to provide truthful information to Filipinos.
“We cannot give up on truth.
“Many newsrooms are already struggling with this pandemic and our woes are aggravated by the assault of truth, our business of truth-telling, and the systematic effort to discredit us and our profession,” she stressed during the virtual launch of #FactsFirstPH, a union of groups from media, civil society, business, research, the legal sector, and the Church who “seeks to promote truth and fight disinformation”.”
Furthermore, Reyes noted that: “#FactsFirstPH is our collective action to set things straight and seek to make this upside-down world right side up again.”
ABS-CBN also vowed to provide truthful information to the voters despite having limited resources.
“ABS-CBN is committed to fight disinformation and provide the public with accurate and relevant information so that they can make an informed choice when they cast their ballots,” Reyes promised.
During the height of the media giant’s franchise controversy, Reyes was at the forefront of the Network’s news operations.
She was there when Congress rejected their franchise application on the belief that they have “violated” certain laws. It resulted in thousands of Kapamilya employees without a job amid the CPVID-19 pandemic.
“Our task won’t be easy. Outright lies and false narratives [that] tend to mislead voters have become commonplace not just here in the Philippines, but in many parts of the world. Social media becomes a tool in spewing lies and hate.”
Before its closure, President Rodrigo Duterte threw a barrage of attacks on ABS-CBN, accusing the Network of being “biased” against him.
The Lopez-owned TV station ceased its operation in May 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) executed a cease and desist order. Months later, the Committee on Legislative Franchises voted 70-11 in favor of rejecting the Network’s franchise renewal application.
