NUJP laments layoffs at ABS-CBN: Media job cuts ‘impair discourse’

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) vows to monitor layoff proceedings at ABS-CBN as it lamented the unemployment of the media industry members. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) vowed to monitor layoff proceedings at ABS-CBN as it lamented the unemployment of the media industry members.

The NUJP pointed out that job cuts “especially approaching an election year, impair discourse, the free flow of information, and the public’s right to know as fewer media workers have to take on more tasks.”

The layoffs“also mean a bigger risk that issues, particularly those outside Metro Manila, may go underreported or unreported,” the group added.

According to ABS-CBN, 100 more workers have been laid off because ad revenues continue to drop.

But the NUJP noted that “big media owners all too often prioritize profits” which is disadvantageous to the public, especially with the mid-term elections coming next year.

“While seeking viability and survival is understandable, big media owners all too often prioritize profits, with employees bearing the brunt of, and being the last to know about, measures to reduce losses,” it said.

READ: Jodi Sta. Maria reacts to ABS-CBN layoffs: ‘Heartbreaking’

“Ironically, these measures might even be seen by some as a welcome development as these can potentially maximize profits, especially with an election year coming, for media owners and shareholders but to the detriment of that public good,” it added.

“In a more immediate sense, layoffs also mean uncertainty for colleagues affected by retrenchment, especially so close to the holiday season and at a time when many Filipinos are struggling with the high prices of basic necessities,” the journalists’ union further said.

READ: ABS-CBN’s ordeal and its ‘chilling effect’ on media

The NUJP then reminded ABS-CBN of its commitment to provide affected workers “with full benefits and support.”

“NUJP will be reaching out to our members and to colleagues in the company for consultations, peer support, and mental health services, as well as to offer assistance in seeking employment opportunities for those affected,” it said.

The NUJP likewise reiterated its previous warning regarding the closure of ABSN-CBN. “Press freedom advocates, including NUJP, had long warned of the long-term consequences of the ABS-CBN shutdown, which was initiated out of a political vendetta, helped along by a House of Representatives that was intent on killing the franchise even while it held hearings on the network’s fate.”