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"Shrinking democratic space through the militarizing of the pandemic response as well as not closing the largest media network’s airwaves is a direct affront to civil liberties.”
“Di ko akalain na ang kalayaan na na-achieve natin noong 1986 ay manganganib uli ngayon.” (I did not expect that the freedom we had achieved in 1986 would be threatened once again.)
Online protests were held simultaneously in support of ABS-CBN.
“We are alarmed that soon, other media outlets would follow. Without the freedom of the press, there is the danger of other freedoms to be lost. God forbid, these are the first 'test signs' of curtailing other rights.”
“His ultimate passion was for good governance and his advocacy was to help save the environment. He was a highly principled man who sought refuge in his faith.”
“It is high time that Congress finally hear and approve the franchise of ABS-CBN to undo the damage and attack on press freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information perpetrated by Malacañang.”
“ABS-CBN’s closure extinguishes the brightest light in our information firmament and leaves smaller ones in darkness and peril.”
"The NTC’s Order has preempted Congressional action in this area exclusively reserved to it by the Constitution and is an exercise of discretion that gravely upsets the constitutional architecture and design.”
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines assailed the NTC order, adding that it would "do no good to the Filipino people if the country’s biggest media corporation, one that is relied upon by a great number of the people during this pandemic for news, entertainment and relief delivery, if it ceases operations tomorrow."
“In this time of crisis, asserting our right to free expression is crucial. During these dark times, our voices need to be heard, not stifled.”
Northern Dispatch believes that the attack is state-perpetrated, noting that the media outfit and their staff members were also subjected to intense red-tagging by military and its army or trolls.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms those who are behind this crime against free speech.” -- Philippine Graphic editor in chief
In this timeline, Bulatlat enumerates all attempts to curtail free speech and press freedom since the country is placed under the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic until before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address.
A journalist based in Hong Kong who writes for a leading international magazine sent these questions on press freedom under the Duterte administration. Please allow me to share the short answers.
It comes as no surprise that the current lockdown has become a de facto crackdown for some of those who dare speak up against the government.
“This is a marching order for law enforcement authorities to use their weapon against the people unlawfully and without basis.”
“May we point out that the responsibility of the PCOO nor the PIA is government communication and information dissemination, not media accreditation and, certainly, not regulation.”
"The Duterte administration utilizes 'fake news' as a tool to silence dissent by spreading lies using an army of trolls, to present ‘alternative facts’ and justify the repressive policies and programs of the government."
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