Group sees ‘enhanced public service programs’ with ABS-CBN, TV5 partnership

ABS-CBN and TV5 joint venture

MANILA, Philippines — A consumer group has lauded the partnership of ABS-CBN and TV5, believing it would improve public service programs and even out distribution of news reports – which could be of benefit to the public.

“The fusion of TV5 and ABS-CBN is definitely good news to the viewing public as this will help democratize the dissemination of well-vetted news reports to the public which is a mandated responsibility of a TV franchise,” CitizenWatch Philippines convener Orlando Oxales said in a statement Friday

“We look forward to enhanced public service programs that will keep Filipinos well informed of important information that is relevant to their everyday lives, especially during times of crisis,” he added.

READ: ABS-CBN buys 35% stake in TV5; NTC keeps watch

READ: TV5, ABS-CBN seal partnership deal

Oxales also expressed hope that the combined broadcast power of the two companies would contribute to the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

“CitizenWatch is hopeful that this union of TV5 and ABS-CBN will evolve into a positive force that will contribute to our common aspiration of recovering from these difficult times and wield the power of its broadcasting platform in the most professional and responsible manner,” he said.

In a separate statement, Bantay Consumer convener Louie Montemar said they look forward to the impact of the partnership, anticipating that it “will fill a void” that resulted in ABS-CBN’s departure from free television and radio broadcasts.

“The free-to-air broadcast platform of TV5 joining forces with the content and production talents of ABS-CBN is an exciting development that will fill a void left when the Channel 2 franchise was not renewed by Congress,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to create a new brand of credible public service that would deliver not just entertainment but would hopefully a developmental medium of education and good values freely accessible to everyone,” he added.

To recall, ABS-CBN went off air on May 5, 2020, following an order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to stop its operations

READ: House, not only NTC, also at fault in ABS-CBN shutdown – FLAG

The NTC back then said that while other networks were allowed to continue operating despite their respective franchises still being deliberated on, ABS-CBN cannot be given the same privilege as there were concerns on the validity of the broadcast giant’s franchise.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios admitted in an interview with ABS-CBN’s radio station DZMM hours before the network was shut down that questions on the validity of its franchise stemmed from the quo warranto petition filed by former solicitor general and now Commission on Audit Chairperson Jose Calida.

READ: NTC exec admits ABS-CBN shutdown order borne of ‘questions’ on its franchise validity

READ: NTC says OSG’s quo warranto case was factor in CDO vs ABS-CBN

When ABS-CBN was ordered to cease operations, several people living in far-flung areas complained about not knowing about pressing news – especially reports on calamities – due to the absence of ABS-CBN’s Regional Stations.

READ: Netizens claim some folks unaware of Typhoon Ambo due to absence of ABS-CBN

Former vice president Leni Robredo said in December 2021 that Typhoon Odette victims shared the same sentiment that the absence of ABS-CBN’s wide coverage during typhoons and other calamities also made it difficult for them to get help or assistance.

READ: Robredo: Folk in Odette-hit areas miss coverage of ABS-CBN on the tragedy

KGA