Press freedom rally in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Local media groups, students, various sectors, and workers of ABS-CBN Bacolod gathered in front of the TV station here on Friday to call for support for the franchise renewal of the broadcast network.

While holding placards with statements #DefendPressFreedom #BusinaParaSaMedia, the group urged motorists who passed by the TV station along 26th Lacson Street, to honk for press freedom, following the looming shutdown of the broadcast network.

The group cheered when motorists responded to their call for support.

Clad in black shirts, the group also chanted “Ang media, Ang Bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban,” during the gathering dubbed ‘Black Friday Protest,” which is now on its third week.

It was organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Bacolod chapter.

Neri Colmenares, Makabayan chairman and former Bayan Muna party-list representative, joined the rally to show support to the embattled workers of ABS-CBN.

Colmenares, a Negrense himself, said that closing down the broadcast giant will create a chilling effect on the media.

He urged the citizens to join the call to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN as this is not only about press freedom but for the future and the next generation.

Wennie Sancho, secretary-general of General Alliance of Workers Associations, said the issue on the renewal of the ABS-CBN francise involving the more than 11,000 workers is not just a simple labor issue, but an issue of labor oppression.

“To shut down ABS-CBN and deprive the workers of their only means of livelihood violates human dignity. It is a grave injustice and a form of oppression,” he said.

He said one cannot be neutral on this crucial issue.

Marchel Espina, NUJP-Bacolod chapter president, said the Senate hearing early this week only proved that the broadcast network did not commit any violations as alleged by the government.

Different regulatory agencies cleared ABS-CBN over the alleged violations on taxes, labor conditions, pay-per-view service, and the foreign ownership, she said.

“It is an abuse of power and a threat to freedom of the press to still move for the shut down of the broadcast giant,” she said.

Glazyl Masculino, president of the Negros Press Club, thanked the people who came to support the call for freedom of the press.

The rally was capped by a candle-lighting and a prayer led by ABS-CBN Bacolod senior reporter Yasmin Pascual-Dormido.