Filipinos across the world were shocked and saddened as “TV Patrol” was forced to go off air on May 5, but on May 7 they rejoiced as “TV Patrol” resurrected and delivered the news on the network’s other platforms.
The news of its comeback spread like wildfire, making “TV Patrol” top Twitter trends. By 6:25 p.m. yesterday, Filipinos who used to have dinner while watching ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast on television adjusted their usual routine by catching the latest news on their smartphones and other devices.
On Facebook, “TV Patrol” recorded a whopping 8.2 million views in just a matter of hours, while on YouTube, it registered 825,000 views as of this writing.
The numbers don’t lie. “TV Patrol” truly holds a special place in the lives of Filipinos. Many trust it as their main source of news and information, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
But “TV Patrol’s” shift to digital was only able to reach people who have access to the internet and cable television. Those whose source of information is the television and radio were left behind – a sad reality that should remind all of us to continue speaking up against the network’s shutdown.
Besides “TV Patrol,” “DZMM TeleRadyo” is also making a return online, on cable, and on digital TV in select areas, and abroad via The Filipino Channel (TFC). ABS-CBN’s move to find ways to make “TV Patrol” and “ DZMM TeleRadyo” return on its other platforms just proves how it is really committed to serve the Filipinos.
Twitter user @thisistonitoni pointed out, “The government works hard, pero ABS-CBN works harder. Bringing #TVPatrol in digital platforms is a brilliant move, especially in this time and age of social media. Though hindi lahat has access to internet, it only shows their commitment. In the service of the Filipino, they remain.”
Meanwhile, Kapamilya fans continue to express in different ways their support for ABS-CBN.
https://www.facebook.com/mira.escalada.9/videos/1870774583058792/
A Kapamilya fan from Capiz went all out by throwing away his television. In a now viral video, Patricio Escalada Jr. carried their television outside their home and threw it away, making him an instant internet sensation.
Mira Ledesma, Patricio’s sister who uploaded the video that has now amassed a million views, said that their extreme action was a way of expressing their feelings on ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
“In-express lang po naming ‘yung saloobin namin na wala na po ang ABS-CBN. Masakit lang po kasi na sa 27 years ko na dito sa mundo ngayon lang mawawala ‘yong paborito naming channel,” Mira said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Online (May 6, 2020).
She added, “Sana po maibalik na po nila ang ABS-CBN at kahit i-consider na lang muna nila kasi, nakakapanibago sa lahat, hindi lang po siguro sa amin.”
The government works hard pero ABS-CBN works harder. Bringing #TVPatrol in digital platforms is a brilliant move specially in this time and age of social media. Though hindi lahat has access to internet, it only shows their commitment. In the service of the Filipino, they remain.
— T O E – K N E E (@thisistonitoni) May 7, 2020
Just like Mira and Patricio, thousands have also chosen to speak up for ABS-CBN. Finding new ways to stage a protest without breaking quarantine protocols, various individuals, press freedom advocates, and groups turned to social media platforms to denounce the cease and desist order (CDO) of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Some changed their display photos to the ABS-CBN ribbon as an act of solidarity. Others became vocal of their sentiments on Facebook and Twitter, engaging in discussions with their followers. There are also those who fight disinformation surrounding the issue by sharing news, infographics, and art cards to enlighten fellow netizens with the truth.
Whatever the mode of expression, it is undeniable that people from all walks of life have united to stand up for what is right and to speak up against the injustice. Collective voices can spark change so stand for democracy. Stand for press freedom. Stand for ABS-CBN.
