UST, UP throw support behind ABS-CBN amid franchise denial

Two of the country's top universities on Saturday threw their support behind the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, a day after the House of Representatives denied the network's franchise renewal application.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Mass Communication stressed the importance of the network's service, especially amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

"We believe that ABS-CBN deserves to be given another chance to renew its franchise to continue its invaluable service to the nation and the Filipino people," UST said in a statement.

"We believe that access to information and genuine public service which ABS-CBN competently provides, are of paramount importance during these challenging times," it added.

Meanwhile, UP said the country needs "free and unencumbered" media.

"Given that ABS-CBN had the widest broadcast reach, Filipinos in far-flung areas will be deprived of timely and useful information regarding the pandemic and calamity alerts," the UP said.

According to the UP CMC, the "country's legislators chose to put their whims and personal media issues ahead of the greater good."

Both universities also expressed sympathy for the 11,000 ABS-CBN employees who would be left unemployed amid the pandemic.

"Moreover, given the instability of an economy in crisis, Government has effectively rendered 11,000 unemployed, including many of our alumni," the UP said.

"We sympathize with the network's thousands of employees who stand to lose their jobs and whose families will be deeply affected by this sad turn of events," UST chimed. — DVM, GMA News