Manila Bulletin
Journalists rap House as ‘enemy of democracy’ for not renewing ABS-CBN franchise
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called the 18th Congress an 'enemy of democracy' after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises dismissed ABS-CBN's franchise application.
NUJP stated that the decision deprived 11,000 people of their jobs and millions of Filipinos of their right to access information and entertainment.
AlterMidya, a network of over 30 independent media organizations, accused the Duterte administration of punishing ABS-CBN for reporting on issues that are unacceptable to the government.
The denial of ABS-CBN's franchise is seen as a warning to journalists to be cautious in reporting truthfully or criticizing the government, potentially leading to a climate of tyranny and impunity.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected ABS-CBN's franchise renewal application with a vote of 70 to 11, deeming the media giant "undeserving" of the 25-year extension plea.
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Philippine journalists, including the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), have strongly condemned the rejection of ABS-CBN's franchise renewal, labeling it an "abuse of power" and a threat to press freedom.
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) stated that the House of Representatives' denial of ABS-CBN's franchise application creates a chilling effect on press freedom.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has stated he will not interfere with the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corp. and will leave the decision to lawmakers.
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed confidence that ABS-CBN's franchise would be renewed if the House of Representatives would allow its members to vote according to their conscience.
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