The move is seen as a very serious blow to press freedom in the Philippines. FMTNews ABSCBN RodrigoDuterte PressFreedom
The shut down is seen as a very serious blow to press freedom in the Philippines.
Duterte is notorious for tangling with media outlets critical of his policies, sparking concern that press freedoms have been eroded in the Philippines. ABS-CBN’s 25-year licence expired Monday, but officials had previously given assurances the radio, TV and internet goliath would be allowed to operate provisionally.
Bills to renew the conglomerate’s franchise have sat for years in the legislature, which is controlled by Duterte’s allies.Press advocates said the shutdown order was an assault on the right to free speech, as the conglomerate broadcasts news coverage watched by millions daily. It appeared the broadcaster would get its renewal after publically apologising to Duterte earlier this year, and the justice minister said the licence was considered extended until Congress took action.
Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, was not critical of the shut down, saying: “in the absence of a franchise… ABS-CBN’s continued operation is entirely with the NTC’s decision.”
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