FILIPINOS AT THE LOSING END OF ABS-CBN'S SHUTDOWN

Aling Helen Gregorio, a mother who used to earn a living as a scavenger prior to ECQ, said in a TV Patrol interview last May 12, “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ABS-CBN at nakatawid gutom po kami kasi yan po ang hapunan naming mag-ina." She was referring to the ready-to-eat meals the media network distributed in Barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan under its Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program.

Julius Evangelista and his family got evicted from their rented home as he could not pay rent after he lost his income as a jeepney driver. His story was aired on TV Patrol. This led to an outpouring of support from viewers who were touched by his family's plight. They also received relief under the network's Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program.

“Naiiyak lang po ako sa sobrang saya po, naisip ko kahit papaano may pang-umpisa na po ako para sa pamilya ko,” he disclosed in a TV Patrol interview last May 9. 

The impact of the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise goes beyond the loss of a free media platform that millions of Filipinos can rely upon especially during times of crisis.

What many people do not see is that this also means Filipinos may eventually lose a leader of public service in the country—of relief operations in particular— which for years have been able to raise funds, provide immediate aid, function as a bridge for Pinoys who would like to extend help, and serve as a lifeline to our destitute kababayans like Aling Helen and Julius.

According to ABS-CBN, prior to the issuance of the cease and desist order, it was already able to reach an estimated 600,000 families for its Pantawid ng Pag-ibig program. Under this humanitarian effort, families from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were provided with food and other basic goods. The program also provided meals to thousands of medical workers and other volunteers, with the help of its partner organizations.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the media network had long established its role in public service with Sagip Kapamilya and other long-term programs of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

With the network now out of the free TV airwaves and left with only limited platforms, the nation is in danger of losing a vanguard of public service and a beacon of hope as people like Aling Helen and Jullius know all too well.

Based on recent pronouncements, ABS-CBN’s franchise battle will be lengthier than usual. Even the provisional franchise the House proposed—presumed to allow the network back on air while lawmakers deliberate on its franchise renewal—is likely to be delayed. During this time, the network's relief efforts, call for action and donation, and messages of hope to Filipinos in dire need of support might continue perhaps, but surely not as accessible as before. 

Ultimately, Filipinos who are in need of support will be the ones on the losing end.