Several netizens took to social media to share how they missed ABS-CBN’s coverage especially the Regional group during times of calamities.

As Typhoon Rolly which was reported to be the strongest typhoon to hit this year ravaged several parts of the country, netizens realized the importance of ABS-CBN News’ reach in those areas where their signal was the only one available.

Former COMELEC Commissioner Goyo Larrazabal in his tweet said ABS-CBN Regional would be a great help in disseminating information especially to the far-flung areas of the country, but sadly their franchise wasn’t renewed so many people were left in the dark.

“You know what could have helped disseminate information about the incoming storm and how to get ready for it? @ABSCBNNews But they were denied a franchise… So now many people are in the dark”

Netizen @AtlABSCBN meanwhile called on GMA News tagging Tina Perez to step up their coverage since they are the one with a franchise and operating on free TV. The Twitter account also retweeted a screengrab of Teleradyo, GMA News TV, and PTV broadcast to show how ABS-CBN covered the typhoon despite the lack of franchise while other networks showed regular programming.

“Sis, @tinapperez baka naman??? Kayo lang may malawak na reach today.”

Netizen @dgcrx shared the same sentiment when he tweeted about ABS-CBN Regional being important in disseminating news about typhoons. The netizen shared a screenshot of a Facebook post talking about how ABS-CBN bumping off regular programming to give way to typhoon updates. However, GMA and GMA News TV continued with its regular programming without any comprehensive coverage of the typhoon.

“There is a reason why ABS-CBN Regional was preferred by people during these times. Nasaan yung updates, Ms. @tinapperez?”

@joefranc also shared how important ABS-CBN’s reach during times of calamities. He shared how left out people in the provinces because of the limited access to info in available free TV channels.

“Madaming walang radyo. Madaming walang internet. Umaasa sa free TV. Hindi nga alam ng nanay ko sa Legazpi na signal number 5 na doon kung hindi ko pa sinabi habang sinasalanta sila ng bagyo. Nakakagalit!”

https://twitter.com/joefranc/status/1322753608559943682

Rappler reporter Lian Buan in her tweet shared an article about ABS-CBN’s impact on Filipinos during times of calamities and how it diminished after the congress rejected their franchise application.

UP Professor Danilo Arao meanwhile also brought up the void ABS-CBN left since they are the one with the widest reach, especially its Regional Network Group.

“MISSING: ABS-CBN used to be the only TV station that reached certain areas of the country. Those who claim that there still exists thousands of news media organizations conveniently forget the usefulness of the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group. Two words: Duterte legacy.”

Journalist Inday Espina Varona meanwhile recalled Jeff Canoy’s experience during another typhoon coverage in Aurora a few months ago. During Jeff’s trip to Aurora, he was asked by the police at the checkpoint when will ABS-CBN be back on free TV because that’s the only network that can reach the mountainous areas of the province.

“As RollyPH batters Aurora province, a good time to remind ourselves of @JeffCanoy’s post some months back. “May bagyo ngayon, di namin malalaman kung ano mangyayari.””

@ederic meanwhile chided those who orchestrated to shut down ABS-CBN and reject their franchise application in a retweet of the statement of Office of Civil Defense USec. Jalad

Netizen @richardbolisay also the same sentiment saying those who voted to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise and the President himself should be bothered by their conscience for the rest of their lives.

“Kawawa talaga ‘yung mga taong walang access sa impormasyon ngayon. Buhay at kaligtasan nila ang nakataya. ‘Yung mga bumoto na ipasara ang ABS, pati ‘yung gunggong na presidente at sumuporta sa kanya, sana hindi kayo patahimikin ng konsensya ninyo habambuhay.”

https://twitter.com/richardbolisay/status/1322716347285999617