It’s the biggest mindf*ck the country has ever faced so far.
ICYMI, ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest media network, has closed its doors following a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NCT). The move comes after the expiration of the firm’s franchise privileges last May 4.
It’s a development that shocked many, as around 11,000 workers are projected to be affected by the shutdown in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Frustrations from the general public also arose, as it’s seen as the Duterte administration’s latest step in silencing entities critical of the government.
Several bills tackling the license renewal have been in limbo in Congress, which consists mostly of Duterte’s allies. The delays have been chalked up to alleged tax, franchise, and other violations by ABS-CBN. This, despite a Senate hearing clearing the broadcast company of any wrongdoings back in February.
Duterte himself has been very vocal against ABS-CBN, accusing the network of unfair reporting and calling their content ‘bullshit and trash’. The country’s top man has a proven disdain for reporters, also going after Rappler for being partially owned by ‘foreign investors’.
ABS-CBN’s closure has led some to analyze the government’s twisted priorities. One main criticism is that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) still remain alive and well.
This, despite the fact that the government loses PHP 51 billion in revenue due to POGOs’ continued skirting of Philippine tax and licensing laws. In reality, POGOs only contribute to 0.04% of the total domestic economy, according to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
In contrast, ABS-CBN has paid PHP 70.5 billion in taxes for the past 17 years, making it one of the country’s highest contributors.
POGOs have also been allowed to partially resume services, as they are deemed ‘essential’ for generating revenue. But how can there be ‘revenue’ if the majority of them don’t pay taxes in the first place? Not to mention that they are a source of crimes such as sex trafficking and money laundering schemes.
But despite a laundry list pf blatant violations and offenses, POGOs continue to see the light of the day over a broadcast giant that produces news considered vital in this pandemic.
Over thousands of Filipinos who will lose their livelihoods while foreigners continue to flourish despite their far more serious crimes.
Over an entity that has proven, after all of these years, it is truly In The Service of the Filipino.
It is a f*cked up day indeed.
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