For Kapamilya artist Alex Diaz, the closure of ABS CBN will not only affect the 11,000 displaced workers but, most significantly, the assault on the freedom of the press that is clearly evident.
On his Instagram, Alex lamented a different interpretation of the closure of the network, for closing down a network that speaks out against injustice sends a disturbing message that someone with a similar belief is likely to suffer the same fate as ABS-CBN.
“To those saying there are still other news networks to report news: When you shut down a network that actively speaks against injustice you send a message to the people that anyone with opposing views will meet the same fate.”
He also stressed how large the reach of ABS-CBN is in bringing news to Filipinos especially in this time of the pandemic,
“ABS-CBN is the only network that reaches to the far corners ng ating bansa.. wag sana umabot sa punto na hindi nyo na madedeny pa yung mga nangyayari sa ating bansa.”
The closure of the giant media network didn’t just affect one television broadcast but 42 television stations, 10 digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations, and 5 AM stations.
And even he will be attacked for his opinions, he will stand firm in his belief.
“So diss me, drag me, attack my character or bring up my past in order to discredit me but my position stands and I’m doing this not just for me but for you, too.”
“If you don’t like it, I’ve never asked you to follow me, ikaw nga dyan yung nag th-thirst at nag ssave ng mga pics ko 😉 unfollow me or kindly let me know and I’ll block you, tapos, di na natin kailangan makita ang isa’t isa. Hindi kawalan sakin iblock ang bashers and trolls.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CACRW64n1Sl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Since 2014, ABS CBN has applied for the renewal of its franchise through bills pending before the House of Representatives, but these were not followed by the 16th, 17th, and 18th Congresses of the Philippines.
Last May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission issued an order to ABS-CBN to terminate its broadcasting operations on a temporary basis, including its radio stations DZMM, its television equivalent DZMM TeleRadyo and MOR, following the expiry of its broadcast franchise on the previous day.
