Ikinabahala ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ang paglalabas ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ng cease and desist order sa broadcast company na ABS-CBN.
“ABS-CBN’s shutdown on Tuesday, May 5, triggers waves of effects, especially as the country confronts the dangers of a pandemic,” ani CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia.
Ayon sa opisyal, tila nalagasan ng masasandalan sa mga kritikal na impormasyon ang publiko, lalo na’t may hinaharap na krisis ang bansa dahil sa COVID-19.
“With the station off the air, we lose another voice that people rely on for critical information on how to protect themselves and their loved ones from the ill-effects of the virus.”
Bukod sa epekto sa publiko, magdudulot rin daw ngayon ng kalbaryo sa mga empleyado ng kompanya ang hindi pagko-konsidera ng NTC.
“It is ironic that days after we commemorated Labour Day on May 1, workers of ABS-CBN now face the uncertainty of having no means to support themselves, their families, and even fellow Filipinos in this dire time.”
Ipinaalala ng CHR ang papel na ginagampanan ng mga mamamahayag, makaraang gunitain din ang World Press Freedom Day.
“The information that media delivers to us every day allows every citizen to make critical decisions on their lives and enables them to demand better services, especially from the government.”
Para kay Atty. De Guia, hindi pulitika ang dapat na magdikta sa kapalaran ng kahit sinong media network dahil mahalaga ang papel nito sa demokrasya.
“Any alleged violations should be dealt in accordance of the law, and the same protection granted by laws should equally apply to ABS-CBN as it should be to anyone or any entity. We must continue to be vigilant.”
