‘Vindictive’ Duterte ‘hellbent’ to shut down ABS-CBN, - NUJP

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) slams the latest move of the government concerning the cancellation/termination of the legislative franchise of the tv giant ABS-CBN.

NUJP alleges that the quo warranto petition filed by the OSG is more than proof that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is exhausting all possible means to close down the network giant.

The NUJP also calls out the latest move that of the Solicitor General Jose Calida in petitioning the High Court for the closure of the Lopez owned network as a direct violation of the Constitutional protected right on the freedom of the press.

NUJP and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(photo credit to owner)

“This proves without a doubt that this government is hellbent on using all its powers to shut down the broadcast network whose franchise renewal, now pending in Congress, President Rodrigo Duterte has personally vowed to block,” NUJP said in a statement following the OSG’s filing of the quo warranto petition.

“We must not allow the vindictiveness of one man, no matter how powerful, to run roughshod over the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of the press and of expression, and the people’s right to know,” the group further said.

The NUJP also implores the Congress and the Supreme Court as co-equal branches of the executive to decide on their independent capacities and avoid being used by Duterte’s interests, while also calling on the public and all journalist to be vigilant.

“We call on Congress and the Supreme Court to once and for all prove to the people that they are truly, as the Constitution envisions, independent and co-equal branches of government that are not at the beck and call of the executive,” NUJP said.

“We call on all Filipinos who cherish democracy to stand up and defend press freedom because this freedom belong to you.  This is not just about ABS-CBN. This is not just about the Philippine media. This is all about whether anyone can or should deprive you, the Filipino people, of your right to know,” it noted.

What can you say about this?

Share us your thoughts by simply leaving on the comment section below. For more news updates, feel free to visit our site often.

Stay updated with today's relevant news and trends by hitting the LIKE button.

Thanks for dropping by and reading this post.

Report from  PDI

Disclaimer: Contributed articles does not reflect the view of THE PH CHRONICLES. This website cannot guarantee the legitimacy of some of the information contributed to us. You may do additional research if you find some information doubtful. No part of this article maybe reproduced without permission from this website.