Reactions, Words Of Support, And Messages Of Love From ABS-CBN's Supporters
On July 10, Friday, the country's largest broadcast network, ABS-CBN, was denied a fresh 25-year franchise by Congress, prompting a barrage of reactions from the network's personalities, celebrities, and supporters
Tears were shed, gazes were lowered, and backs were hunched but spirits remain unbroken.
What began on May 5, when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) handed the media giant its first cease and desist order, has now culminated in today's events: the second time in ABS-CBN's 66-year-long history that it was forced to go off the air by the government. The network was first shut down in September of 1972 when dictator Ferdinand Marcos stripped the independent media off of all freedom during Martial Law.
A final tally of votes revealed that 70 congressmen and women voted against the franchise renewal, while 11 voted in favor of it, one abstained, and two inhibited.
Below are some comments and reactions from the network's supporters:
News anchor Kim Atienza, whose TV Patrol segment has him sharing weather reports and little nuggets of trivia, took a more religious approach.
The Lord Giveth, The Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 10, 2020
Maraming maraming salamat Lord! Maraming salamat kapamilya. @ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center https://t.co/2nOd9w8bue
Reporter Gretchen Ho used today's events as a learning point for the youth.
To all the kids, take note. May this day inspire in all of us a stronger call to serve and to fight injustice. https://t.co/6M1QKeCpn9
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) July 10, 2020
Bianca Gonzalez-Intal posted a straightforward image with an equally straightforward caption.
Kim Chiu, who found herself at the center of the franchise controversy a few weeks ago, expressed her disbelief.
Tapos na po ang botohan. Kami po ay tulala at hindi alam kung anong gagawin. Gusto ko lang pong magpasalamat sa ilang taong pagtanggap po sa amin sa inyong mga tahanan. ❤️💚💙 https://t.co/nlgyrUBQ1V
— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) July 10, 2020
"One day, we will meet again," wrote veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila.
Heartbroken but not crushed. Tomorrow is another day. Let’s keep the fire burning. I will continue to work and do my best in the work I am blessed with. A heartfelt goodbye to Bandila and My Puhunan, one day we will meet again. #kapamilyaforever
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) July 10, 2020
"ILY" stands for pamilya and I love you, according to actress Bea Alonzo.
Anne Curtis-Smith, despite being in Australia for the time being, sent virtual hugs.
Singers and husband and wife team Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez sent out a thank you, no more, no less.
Dimples Romana thought back to her 23 years as a Kapamilya.
Beauty queen turned TV host Pia Wurtzbach foreshadows this day's importance in the future.
Journalist Julius Babao remains hopeful as a new page in the country's history unfolds.
Talo tayo mga Kapamilya. Yan daw ang sinabi ng konsyensya ng 70 na mga kongresista na bumoto ng Yes para sa pagbasura sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN. 11 lang ang kumampi sa atin. Ang mahalaga mulat ang ating bayan sa katotohanan. Bukas na ang panibagong yugto ng kasaysayan.
— julius babao (@juLiusbabao) July 10, 2020
ABS-CBN Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio was reflective, sad, and let down, but grateful nonetheless.
To all the employees who are greatly affected by this. I’m sorry. I’m sorry they aren’t sorry.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) July 10, 2020
To all the supporters of ABS-CBN, it’s programs, and it’s talents who stood by us through this journey. Thank you. Thank you for the endless tweets using the hashtags and thank you for your prayers. We may not be able to repay you right now, but in due time. 🙏🏼
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) July 10, 2020
Especially to all my supporters, Liza and LizQuen fanmily. Just reading your tweets right now brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for believing in me and for supporting my projects under ABS-CBN. I will forever be grateful to each and everyone. I love you all so much.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) July 10, 2020
Korina Sanchez-Roxas, a journalist who began her career with ABS-CBN 30 years ago, shares a personal and heartfelt post, and ends it with a familiar tagline, too.
Julia Barretto posted a gut-wrenching image on Instagram (and endured troll-generated replies in the comments section, as have most, if not all, Kapamilya artists and supporters as of late).
Agot Isidro posted a photo of the ABS-CBN tower with a line from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.
Barbie Imperial gave focus to her "second home."
And so did Jane de Leon, who kept hope alive.
And there was also Sue Ramirez, an actress who focused not on her emotions, but shed light on the network's official statement about the highly controversial situation.
Gretchen Fullido thanks everyone who supported ABS-CBN and gives her fellow employees at the network a virtual hug.
We don’t know what will happen tomorrow but we will take it one day at a time. Another historical day for ABS-CBN. Thank you for the love at maraming salamat sa inyong supporta.
— Gretchen Fullido (@gretsfullido) July 10, 2020
To our fellow employees, virtual hug. We love you all @TVPatrol @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/3TQTe17lva
Like many of ABS-CBN's artists, journalists, and supporters, many Filipinos continue to back the network and believe that in due time, all will be restored and things will be as they should be.
Photos from @bela @annecurtissmith @beaalonzo
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