NUJP asks Filipinos: Light candles, join online rally against impending ABS-CBN shutdown

MANILA, Philippines – The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) has asked the public to light candles and join an online rally to stand against an impending shutdown of the media giant ABS-CBN.

According to NUJP, they would be starting an online broadcast through a Facebook live, urging people to join and post photos of candles to signify support for the network.

Earlier, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has released a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN’s free television and radio broadcasts, after their legislative franchise expired on May 4.  This was despite the House of Representatives asking the body to grant a provisional franchise to the network.

“We will be going live in a few minutes, we also encourage everyone to join the candle lighting and post on their social media using the hashtag #NoToABSCBNShutdown,” NUJP said.

Several personalities including Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate believe that NTC’s release of such order, even if House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano asked the commission to ensure ABS-CBN’s uninterrupted broadcast, stems from subservience to Solicitor General Jose Calida.

Calida previously filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN for supposedly using a corporate veil in hiding foreign ownership.

ABS-CBN has been on the receiving end of criticism from President Rodrigo Duterte for their alleged biased coverage of him, and for failing to air his advertisements.  Previously, Duterte said that he would see to it that the network is shut down.

While Congress may act on the issue by renewing the franchise, recent circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for physical hearings to be conducted in Congress.

On the other hand, ABS-CBN is one of the country’s networks that has provided wide coverage of the pandemic, with Zarate also emphasizing its role as an information disseminator and a relief organization.