Press Release
May 5, 2020

STATEMENT OF SEN. RICHARD J. GORDON ON NTC'S CEASE AND DESIST ORDER ISSUED TO ABS-CBN

Freedom of expression is sacrosanct and is what keeps democracy alive and thriving. It is a right that every government must respect and never obstruct.

The government's order is a transgression of freedom of speech and expression. To begin with, it infringes on the authority of the legislative branch of government, which is already in the process of deliberating the franchise. It also comes at a time when it has never been more important for government and media to be allies, not adversaries. During this pandemic that continues to threaten our country, our people, and our economy, we need to be sending out vital lifesaving information to our people on a daily basis, something that mass media is in the best position to help us with.

If there was a violation of the franchise agreement on the part of ABS-CBN, then the proper charges must be filed and it will be up to the judicial branch of government to decide and, if it so pleases, to impose a very substantial fine.

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