ABS-CBN a ‘big help’ in COVID-19 info dissemination—Galvez

MANILA, Philippines — The chief implementer of the government’s coronavirus response on Wednesday recognized the “big help” of media network ABS-CBN in disseminating information as the country confronts the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Nakita po natin napakalaki pong tulong ng ating media para magkaroon po ng tinatawag nating public information on our new normal. Ito namang kaso ng NTC at ABS-CBN, ito po ay isang legal process, I may not be able to speak on behalf of the DOJ [Department of Justice],” Secretary Carlito Galvez, Chief Implementer, National Task Force Against COVID-19,  said during the Laging Handa briefing.

(We saw the big role of the media in disseminating public information about our new normal. The case between NTC and ABS-CBN, this is a legal process and I may not be able to speak on behalf of the DOJ.)

“Pero nakita po natin na malaki po ang tulong talaga ng ABS-CBN sa paglaganap ng mga impormasyon para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(But we saw how big of a help ABS-CBN was in spreading information to our countrymen.)

ABS-CBN went off the air in compliance with the National Telecommunication Commission’s (NTC) order to stop its broadcast operations after its legislative franchise expired on May 4.

While it is saddened by the network’s shutdown, Malacañang said it is expecting other television networks to continue disseminating information on the health crisis the country is currently facing.

“Siyempre po nalulungkot din kami dahil nabawasan yung magca-carry ng Laging Handa at mag-carry ng presidential press briefing at magbibigay ng balita sa ating mga kababayan,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview over state-run PTV.

(We are saddened because the number of networks that will carry the Laging Handa and presidential press briefing, and deliver news to the public, has been decreased.)

“Pero inaasahan po naming ang PTV 4, GMA, CNN, ABC 5 ay hindi magkukulang sa kanilang tungkulin at pupunuan kung ano ang dapat punuan dito sa pangangailangan ng pag-disseminate ng information,” he added.

(But we are counting on PTV4, GMA, CNN, ABC5 will fill in and disseminate the needed information.)

Lawmakers have criticized NTC’s cease and desist order against ABS-CBN, saying it was a “blow” to press freedom.

ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal remains pending in Congress. Malacañang said the lawmakers should vote in accordance to their conscience since President Rodrigo Duterte remains “neutral” on the matter.

/MUF