Neil
The (NUJP) National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, journalists, and netizens showed their ire towards AnaKalusugan Partylist representative Mike Defensor for suggesting ABS-CBN network shut down its news and public affairs division and televise only “non-political” shows.
During an online interview, Defensor was asked about the ABS-CBN Franchise hearing.
Defensor then suggested that ABS-CBN air “non-political” shows and shut down its news and public affairs because it is the “problem” as of now.
LOOK: Ayon sa panayam ni AnaKalusugan Partylist Rep. Mike Defensor sa isang programa, kung siya ang tatanungin, gusto…
Posted by Kapamilya Online World on Sunday, June 28, 2020
“Ako sa tingin ko dapat bilisan. In fact, kung pwede lang sana. Personal ko ito. I cannot speak for everyone. Kung ako, kunware tanggalin muna ‘yung news and public affairs. Just because ma-influence ‘yung committee. Not because we want to curtail press freedom. Pabayaan muna ‘yung shows na non-political.” he said.
“Katulad ngayon, nagrereklamo ‘yung isang kasama ko. O naka-air naman sila. Tinira si ganito. Tinira si ganyan. Or one sided ‘yung paglabas ng issues. Talagang, yung news and public afairs ‘yung nagiging problem as of now,” he added.
According to journalists and netizens, with this statement from Defensor, he has just confirmed that the issue about ABS-CBN franchise, is an issue of press freedom.
-that the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the circus that has become of the House hearings into the network's franchise are, indeed, a press freedom issue.
— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
Para puro government propaganda na lang mapanuod ng mga tao? Who says the shutdown of ABS-CBN isn't about press freedom, say it again? #DefendPressFreedom #IbalikAngABSCBN pic.twitter.com/PQKmeMIyD0
— Barnaby Lo (@barnabychuck) June 28, 2020
Etong si Mike Defensor ang isang classic example ng politicong walang character developement. Pweh! https://t.co/SvtH2YQSMx
— Myk (@mykapalaran) June 28, 2020
Anong nangyari dito kay @MikeDefensor? Napakasayang. https://t.co/fQUvEy9r9u
— Jules Guiang (@JULESguiang) June 28, 2020
Ipasara ang @ABSCBNNews para ano mapagtakpan niyo baho ng administration na ito ha Defensor punyeta Ka tas sasabihin mo alang pro walang anti abs dyan sa congress ano tawag mo Sa sarili no#IbalikAngABSCBN
— Proud To Be Pinoy (@GeloNegra) June 28, 2020
Ayaw ni Mike Defensor malaman ang mga KATARANTADUHAN nila kaya may pakondisyon at gusto ipatigil ang News Dept. ng ABS-CBN. GAGO ka Mike Defensor. TANGINA mo ka!!! Nakita mong may Covid19 ngayon at ang daming nyong kahayupan tpos gumaganyan ka?? Ano bang ikinakatakot mo??? https://t.co/y4zsQVx3b2
— Jiil Rod (@jiil_rod) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/katipunera/status/1277145655836737536
The NUJP also said that as vice chairman of the committee on good government and public accountability, it is ironic that Defensor is suggesting to shut down ABS-CBN news as it is a mechanism for ensuring good governance and accountability.
Now, why would the vice chairmen of the committee on good government and public accountability even entertain the thought of removing the watchdog component of ABS-CBN if not to remove a vital mechanism for ensuring good governance and accountability?
— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
It becomes increasingly clear that putting the squeeze on ABS-CBN is aimed at emasculating the media by holding up the network as an example of the fate that could await other outfits that insist on being true to their watchdog role and maintaining their independence.
— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
NUJP then called ABS-CBN leaders, fellow journalists, and the Filipino people.
We call on the leadership of ABS-CBN and all other news organizations to resist these efforts to force media into subservience.
— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
We call on our colleagues in the community of independent Filipino journalists to close ranks and defend the freedoms and rights that allow us to fulfill our mandate of serving the people's right to know.
— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
We call on the Filipino people to stand with the critical and independent Filipino media in defense not only of our collective rights and freedoms but of democracy itself.
National Directorate
+639175155991— NUJP (@nujp) June 28, 2020
Meanwhile, on his Facebook page, Mike Defensor expressed his dismay towards the circulating images that quoted his statement from the interview.
He said that his intention was to help, but he ended up being damned. He then called out ABS-CBN for their “biasness”.
