Amid the threat of ABS-CBN’s shutdown with Congress’ inaction on its franchise renewal and the recent quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, netizens have urged other media networks to show their solidarity with the embattled ABS-CBN.
Over on twitter, the majority of the netizens who tweeted asked GMA network and TV5 for their stand on the threats being faced by ABS-CBN.
Human rights advocate and RockEd Philippines founder Gang Badoy posed a question on Twitter asking ABS-CBN’s rival networks if they are open to taking a stand with the Kapamilya network.
GMA7, TV5: you open to stand w/ ABS CBN?
Weigh. Delve deep into the decision. Think long term. Horizon. Dream. DREAM LARGE. The Philippines deserves a free, & responsible, & present, & functioning press.
This is not political, like the Sol Gen says, it's really for freedom.🇵🇭
— Gang Capati 🇵🇭 (@gangbadoy) February 10, 2020
Following Badoy’s lead, several netizens have also raised concerns about GMA and TV5’s stand on ABS-CBN’s franchise battle.
https://twitter.com/itsheyzeeeel/status/1227286303387111425
https://twitter.com/genesacademy/status/1226875146125791236
GMA, TV5, ABS-CBN, stand together. Tough times, Filipinos need all of you. https://t.co/1ucfa2e4By
— ENOY (@lonerdyx) February 10, 2020
For the sake of press freedom and fairness, setting aside competition and personal interests, imagine GMA7, TV5 & other media org standing together with ABS-CBN to fight against the government. That would be so cool. That would be ideal. Haaay. Sana lang. #NoToABSCBNShutDown
— Al Dy Blanc ツ #𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 (@tapAlan) February 10, 2020
While GMA and TV5 have yet to explicitly state their support for ABS-CBN, online media company Rappler has already shown their support for their media colleague.
"We stand with our colleagues at ABS-CBN and share the hope that they will weather this and come out even stronger."
Read Rappler's statement on Solicitor General Jose Calida's move to void ABS-CBN's franchise via the Supreme Court. #DefendPressFreedom https://t.co/eGF1Wbj1Op
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) February 10, 2020
In a statement, Rappler said they said in solidarity with ABS-CBN and they are hoping that they will get through this trying time and come out stronger.
“We stand with our colleagues at ABS-CBN and share the hope that they will weather this and come out even stronger,” said Rappler.
Aside from Rappler, the International Federation of Journalists has voiced out their support for ABS-CBN.
"Condemned nationally and globally."
Kinondena ng International Federation of Journalists ang paghahain ng petition for quo warranto ni Solicitor General Jose Calida kahapon. pic.twitter.com/jQrrRqcJeL
— News5 (@News5PH) February 11, 2020
Different press corps in the country have also expressed their support for the Kapamilya network.
BASAHIN: Pahayag ng PNP Press Corps hinggil sa quo warranto petition laban sa ABS-CBN @DZMMTeleRadyo pic.twitter.com/BM81ILhgxC
— Zhander Cayabyab (@zhandercayabyab) February 11, 2020
The EJAP – Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ statement on moves to shutdown ABS-CBN. pic.twitter.com/ZkXas8khMB
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) February 10, 2020
The Defense Press Corps of the Philippines stands with ABS-CBN amid challenges to its franchise renewal | via @chiarazambrano pic.twitter.com/waoVk5bNwh
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 11, 2020
Other journalist organizations that showed support for ABS-CBN are The UP College of Mass Communication (UP-CMC), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).
