Allow me to place my two cents on why the ABS-CBN shutdown is a press freedom issue as opposed to what some are saying.

(buckle up, friends, this is gonna be a thread!)

#DefendPressFreedom
#MalayangPamamahayag
#StandWithABSCBN

It wouldn& #39;t be an press freedom issue at all if it& #39;s JUST because the franchise expired. If we look at the bigger picture, ABS-CBN, along with Inquirer and Rappler, have always been the target of Duterte and his supporters because they feel their reporting is unfair and biased.

Just recently, a Rappler reporter was removed from the NCRPO Press Corps Viber group for reporting Gen. Sinas& #39; birthday celebration that seemed to violate ECQ guidelines. Doesn& #39;t that constitute limiting press freedom? https://www.rappler.com/nation/260796-ncrpo-restricts-rappler-coverage-after-story-sinas-birthday-party-coronavirus-lockdown">https://www.rappler.com/nation/26...

No franchise means no broadcast, yes, but also look at the context. Congress couldn& #39;t work on the renewal before since Duterte has always said no since 2016. ABS-CBN also had to deal with FICTAP back in 2014 which has already been addressed. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/24/20/abs-cbns-pay-per-view-kbo-allowed-under-franchise-justice-secretary">https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/...

The point here is that, while they can still operate "freely", journalists now fear of consequences if your report is against the government. Even with credible sources and evidence, DDS will spin it as unfair and biased. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1262419/philippines-down-2-spots-in-world-press-freedom-index">https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1262419/p...

So, while no one should be above the law. We& #39;re also seeing the law being bent in favor of Duterte and his supporters.

It is the law but the law should be applied equally and for the benefit and protection of everyone.

(End of thread)