Universities, academic departments condemn shutdown order vs. ABS-CBN

Some universities and communications departments of academic institutions have condemned the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against broadcast giant ABS-CBN.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Wednesday branded the shutdown order against ABS-CBN a "disservice" to Filipino citizens in the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

"The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas laments the order to stop ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations, as it is a clear disservice to the Filipino people in this time of the pandemic, when information, delivered fast and wide, is key to savings lives," UST said in a statement.

The university added that it prays ABS-CBN will resume its broadcast operations to continue its "invaluable service."

"Through various projects and advocacies, ABS-CBN has significantly contributed to the improvement of the lives of many Filipinos," UST said.

The University of the Philippines' College of Mass Communication also denounced the NTC order, saying that the Duterte administration would do everything to silence its critics.

It emphasized that in this time of pandemic, Filipinos need a free press to serve as a "faithful chronicler of events and a platform for the diversity of voices to be heard."

Meanwhile, the De La Salle University in Taft, Manila expressed solidarity with the media firm and its employees as it lit its St. La Salle Hall in the colors of ABS-CBN "to appeal to NTC to grant provisional authority for the continued operation of the network."

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines' College of Communication stressed that the NTC's shutdown order was a clear attack to the freedom of the press.

"Hindi mabubusalan ng pagpapasara sa ABS-CBN ang boses ng bayang lumalaban," the PUP College of Communication said in a statement.

The Far Eastern University's Department of Communication said ABS-CBN has played a crucial role in ensuring that the checks and balances of the government are in place, adding that its closure was a "threat to democracy."

The department also expressed concern over the employees of the media company who would lose their jobs in this time of pandemic.

"The Department urges the ABS-CBN management, media workers, and the public to resist all forms of oppression by seeking and supporting lawful actions to resolve the issues," it said.

The Ateneo de Manila's Department of Communication echoed the University's call for lawmakers to act immediately to renew the network's franchise.

"We urge the NTC to reverse its decision and issue ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate. We also urge the House of Representatives and the Senate to immediately approve of ABS-CBN's congressional franchise," it said.

The department said that the closure is "an attack on democracy."

"It deprives citizens of a platform for the free exchange of news and opinions, and for the expression of society's diverse voices. It also denies our citizens a tool for mobilizing resources and galvanizing efforts at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic," it said.

On Tuesday, the NTC issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN to operate its various television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide, absent a valid congressional franchise which lapsed on May 4, 2020.

Prior to this, Solicitor General Jose Calida has warned commissioners of the NTC that they could face graft charges if they give ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate beyond May 4.

ABS-CBN, for its part, complied with the order as it signed off on Tuesday night while its cable news channel, ANC, remains on air.

The network company could still seek legal remedies and may challenge or appeal the order, according to the NTC.

Calida defended the NTC's cease and desist order, saying that it was "a triumph of the rule of law." — Anna Felicia Bajo with Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News