President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized broadcast media’s key role and assured media practitioners that the government will continue to uphold equal protection of the rights of fourth estate during his speech at the induction of new officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
In his speech, President Duterte said that the occasion is a testament to the importance of broadcasters in responsible and accurate information dissemination for the public, and that the government will continue to keep them safe.
“This occasion reaffirms the important role of the broadcast media in shaping a nation’s progress [through] responsible dissemination of news and information to our people. Be assured that this administration will uphold the equal protection of your rights and your safety in the performance of duties,” said Duterte.
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However, the president also stated that the right to broadcast on government airwaves is a ‘privilege’ granted for the benefit of the general public. This, amidst the ongoing quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida at the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN because of alleged “abuses” done by the broadcast giant which include pay-per-view operations on a free channel, as well as alleged violations on foreign ownership.
“While our constitution upholds freedom of the press, the function of broadcast is a privilege granted by government. It is imbued with the best interest of the nation and our people. And we will not tolerate any abuse of that privilege,” Duterte said.
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ABS-CBN has released a statement thanking everyone who continues to support the network’s ongoing battle in their hopes to renew their franchise that’s set to expire by March 2020.
“We want to thank everyone who has expressed overwhelming support for ABS-CBN. Our passion to be of service to the Filipino is real. While we are not a perfect organization, we assure the public that we strive to maintain the highest level of integrity as we work to deliver services that many Filipinos believe to be important and meaningful to them,” said ABS-CBN in a statement.
