Note: The featured image was taken during ABS-CBN’s protest last February 21.
On May 5th, the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN. It was issued on the basis of the expiration of its congressional franchise. The order effectively shut down the country’s largest TV network.
Various personalities, labor groups, and human rights groups have spoken up on the issue but none as impassioned as Kapamilya star Coco Martin. In a series of posts on his Instagram, he shared with the public his true thoughts on the shutdown.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_zlkutJDew/
(Coco Martin On Joining ABS-CBN Protest: “We need to stand up for what we believe in.”)
He began by apologizing for his anger, explaining that he is unable to keep quiet and control himself while surrounded by heartless people. Martin went on to question what kind of people would shut down ABS-CBN, knowing that thousands of jobs are at stake.
“Talaga bang nagawa niyong unahin ang pagpapasara ng isang istasyon na bumubuhay sa napakaraming Pilipino?” he questioned.
Martin decried the move in this time of pandemic when we should all be doing our best to help each other. This was particularly important to him as ABS-CBN carries the important function of informing and entertaining the public amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Sa gitna ng laban natin sa COVID 19, hindi tumitigil ang ABS-CBN para magbigay ng aliw, ligaya at pag-asa sa mga tahanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.
Martin ends by admitting that he has limited legal knowledge but appeals for people to think of the situation the country is currently in and whether this is the appropriate time to force such an issue — albeit, in a more colorful fashion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_znHgKJ9pD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
(ABS-CBN assures its workers of continued compensation with benefits despite shutdown)
Martin starts another post by disclaiming that he is taking this opportunity to speak his mind since there is no way to assure he will still be alive after this pandemic.
He then goes on to sarcastically hope that ABS-CBN’s shutdown has brought those behind it great happiness.
“Wala kayong mga konsensiya, naatim niyong pagkaitan ng hanapbuhay at pabayaang magutom ang ilang libong mga pamilya!” Martin directs towards those responsible for the shutdown. “Lalo lang lulubog sa kahirapan ang mga Pilipino! Ito ba ang serbisyo niyo sa bayan?”
Martin plans to ignore those who criticize him for being so frank, saying that what matters is that he knows what is wrong and unjustified — that being the loss of livelihood for ABS-CBN’s 11,000 employees.
“TINATARANTADO NINYO ANG MGA PILIPINO!!!” he passionately ends his post.
What do you think about this?
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