Stars react to ABS-CBN being ordered to close TV, radio operations

MANILA — As the National Telecommunications Commission ordered ABS-CBN on Tuesday to stop its radio and TV operations, entertainment personalities joined a chorus of online protest against the shutdown of the country's largest media company.

Within minutes of the announcement, the hashtag #NoToABSCBNShutDown topped Twitter's list of trending topics in the Philippines as Filipinos aired their reactions to the cease and desist order.

Celebrities echoed the concern of Filipinos over the prospect of eliminating a prime source of information amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the further loss of jobs — an estimated 11,000 — during a crisis that has already cost many of their livelihood.

Others pointed out the implications of ABS-CBN's closure on freedom of the press in the country, coincidentally in the same week as World Press Freedom Day.

ABS-CBN, they said, has also formed a vital part of Philippine society and culture over the past six decades it has been in service — and shutting its broadcast operations would have a grave impact on Filipinos who have depended on it as a source not only of entertainment, but information.

Angel Locsin, actress

 

 

 

 

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Para sa kapwa. Sa panahon na kailangan ng hanap buhay ng mga tao. Let’s be considerate and ask ourselves kung makakatulong ba ang mga desisyon natin sa lalo na sa panahong ito. To ABS-CBN, isang karangalan po na naging bahagi at nakasama ko po kayo. Mahal ko kayo Para sa #MalayangPamamahayag #NoToABSCBNShutdown

A post shared by Angel Locsin (@therealangellocsin) on May 5, 2020 at 3:21am PDT

Kathryn Bernardo, actress

Isang mahigpit na yakap sa lahat ng kapamilya natin ?? pic.twitter.com/ceiCyrhQYH

— KATH ?? (@bernardokath) May 5, 2020

Gary Valenciano, singer

Sharon Cuneta, singer

 

 

 

 

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Iniisip at inaalala naming artists ng aming tahanan, ang ABS-CBN, ang ilampung-libong empleyadong lumaki nang kasama ko, at ang mga batang bagong empleyado pa lamang ng aming istasyon...You are all in my heart and prayers. We love our HOME. And some people have made us HOMELESS now...May God bless us all. ??????

A post shared by ActorSingerPresenter (@reallysharoncuneta) on May 5, 2020 at 3:44am PDT

Regine Velasquez, singer

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/R42ECZdE7e

— regine alcasid (@reginevalcasid) May 5, 2020

Ria Atayde, actress

And we remain in the service of the Filipino. pic.twitter.com/JrMN75p5nk

— Ria Atayde (@RiaAtayde) May 5, 2020

Angeli Pangilinan, talent manager

Just wondering POGOS continue but ABSCBN was ordered to stop operations? Millions of fans of these artists &shows are locked down in their homes without WIFI depending on TV shows of their favorite celebrities to bring them joy. Abroad TFC brings home to the OFWs as well. So sad.

— Angeli P Valenciano (@AngeliPV) May 5, 2020

Concerned Artists of the Philippines

Pahayag ng Concerned Artists of the Philippines hinggil sa cease and desist order laban sa ABS-CBN @DZMMTeleRadyo pic.twitter.com/myJuJ0AmrF

— Zhander Cayabyab (@zhandercayabyab) May 5, 2020

Karen Davila, ABS-CBN News anchor

Sa dami ng problema ng Pilipinas... sa dami ng nagkakasakit at namamatay sa Covid... sa laki ng problema ngayon sa ekonomiya..sa dami ng nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa covid..

Talagang pagpapatigil ng ABSCBN ang inatupag nila. Hindi ko maintindihan kung nasaan ang mga puso nito.

— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) May 5, 2020

Bianca Gonzalez, TV host

Didn't Congress already allow operations to continue while the renewal was being reviewed....? And didn't Senate look into the case via a hearing and found everything in order..? https://t.co/vUyBcYSK3g

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) May 5, 2020

Juan Miguel Severo, actor and poet

Puwedeng magsugal ang mga Tsino pero bawal magbalita ang mga Filipino.

— Juan Miguel Severo ???‍?? (@TheRainBro) May 5, 2020

Ai dela Cruz, MYX VJ

There is a time for everything. We're facing a pandemic. Tens of thousands of Filipinos will lose their jobs.
Millions of Filipinos will lose an important source of news and entertainment at a time when they are needed the most.

How inhumane.#NoToABSCBNShutdown #ABSCBNFranchise https://t.co/geDvm7tmKk

— Ai dela Cruz (@aidelacruz) May 5, 2020

Gretchen Ho, TV host

In the service of the Filipino. We remain. pic.twitter.com/t9E351Rnfo

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 5, 2020

Leah Navarro, singer

The closure of ABS-CBN operations isn’t just about losing your favorite TV shows. This is about Duterte’s govt going back on its word, and the muzzling of a free press. #DefendPressFreedom #NoToABSCBNShutDown https://t.co/ltjgk22Yef

— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) May 5, 2020

Joshua Garcia, actor

Jusko!! Dinadagdagan ang problema!

— Joshua Garcia (@iamjoshuagarcia) May 5, 2020

Bela Padilla, actress

 

 

 

 

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We were told to stay home. Where do we go now? #IStandWithABSCBN

A post shared by Bela Padilla (@bela) on May 5, 2020 at 4:13am PDT

Julia Barretto, actress

 

 

 

 

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??.....

A post shared by Julia (@juliabarretto) on May 5, 2020 at 4:27am PDT

Angel Aquino, actress

 

 

 

 

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5May20. Starting Tonight, our kapamilya TV station shuts down— for a few hours? A day? A week? For how long, we don’t know. They killed our beacon of love, hope, truth and freedom just like that. For me, they just killed my lifeline. My work family and friends. My source of joy. My means of expression. My craft. Hindi na ako uupo at mananahimik. I grieve the (temporary ) death of my home station, but it won’t keep me joining the fight. Sabihin nyo Lang kung Saan. #kapamilya #istandwithabscbn

A post shared by Angel Aquino (@imangelaquino) on May 5, 2020 at 4:13am PDT

Vice Ganda, comedian

Lord God i believe in you and your power. Alam ko pong nakikita nyo ang lahat. Kayo na po ang bahala sa amin at sa kanila. pic.twitter.com/elhvgIbUWK

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) May 5, 2020

Janine Gutierrez, actress

pic.twitter.com/P2taE4VokH

— ??JANINE (@janinegutierrez) May 5, 2020

Liza Soberano, actress

NOOOOOO @ABSCBNNews

— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) May 5, 2020

Maine Mendoza, actress

??????

— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) May 5, 2020

Kim Chiu, actress

 

 

 

 

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Day52 of ECQ. 05.05.2020 8pm. the most painful “now signing off.” 💔#ParaSaMalayangPamamahayag #Intheserviceofthefilipino

A post shared by Kim Chiu 🌸 (@chinitaprincess) on May 5, 2020 at 4:59am PDT

Anne Curtis, actress

 

 

 

 

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I’m still in disbelief that this is actually happening. It’s so heartbreaking. Nakakalungkot 💔. To my ABS-CBN Family, I stand with you. I pray for brighter days and hearing “in the service of the Filipino” on air again. A big hug sa lahat ng aking KAPAMILYA ❤️💚💙 #intheserviceofthefilipino #notoabscbnshutdown #westandwithabscbn

A post shared by Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith) on May 5, 2020 at 5:38am PDT

Matteo Guidicelli, actor

Praying for ABS-CBN.

— Matteo Guidicelli (@mateoguidicelli) May 5, 2020

Jericho Rosales, actor

 

 

 

 

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Isa sa pinakamasakit na pagtatapos at katahimikang narinig ko. Bata pa ako pinapanood ko na yang signing off part pagkatapos manood kasama lolo at lola ko. Naging pampatulog na rin at pampakalma. Hindi ko inakala na aabot sa ganitong pagsign-off. Pakipasa baka tablan sila. #dipataposanglaban #babalikkami #intheserviceoftheFilipino #mahalagaangbosesmo #westandwithabscbn

A post shared by @MrManileno (@jerichorosalesofficial) on May 5, 2020 at 5:07am PDT

Coco Martin, actor

 

 

 

 

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Tutal wala naman kasiguraduhan kung buhay pa ako pagkatapos ng pandemic na ito. Tama lang na masabi ko ang mga saloobin ko. Sa mga taong pilit nagsulong sa pagpapasara sa ABS-CBN, sana ay panatag na panatag na ang kalooban niyo. Sana nagdala ito ng lubos na kaligayahan sa mga puso ninyo. Mahirap magsawalang-kibo sa mga taong katulad ninyo na patuloy na nang-aabuso. Wala kayong mga konsensiya, naatim niyong pagkaitan ng hanapbuhay at pabayaang magutom ang ilang libong mga pamilya! Lalo lang lulubog sa kahirapan ang mga Pilipino! Ito ba ang serbisyo niyo sa bayan? Hindi ako mangingiming sabihin ang totoong nararandaman ko ngayon. Sa mga taong tulad niyo na hindi karapat-dapat pakitaan ng diplomasya at pagkamalumanay. Ang dapat sa inyo usapang sanggano at walang-hiyaan! Galing ako sa hirap at jologs ang pagkatao ko, kaya wala akong pakialam ngayon kung anong sasabihin ng ibang tao. Hindi man ako kasing talino ng iba, alam ko at malinaw sa akin na MALI at KAWALANG KATARUNGAN ang tanggalan ng hanapbuhay ang ilang libong empleyado ng isang kumpanyang naglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino ng ilang dekada! Maraming maraming salamat Solicitor General Joe Calida at sa bumubuo ng National Telecommunications Commission sa kontribusyon niyo sa ating bayan! TINATARANTADO NINYO ANG MGA PILIPINO!!!

A post shared by Coco Martin (@mr.cocomartin) on May 5, 2020 at 5:37am PDT

Robi Domingo, host
 

Magkikita tayo... sa takdang panahon. ♥️💙💚 pic.twitter.com/F5tHfVLcPX

— Robi Domingo (@robertmarion) May 5, 2020

Dimples Romana, actress

 

 

 

 

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Kapag Ina ka, kapag magulang ka, anak, Hindi kailanman nawawala sa puso at isipan mo ang pangamba araw araw para sa mga taong umaasa sayo. Lalo na sa mga panahon ngayon na sinusubok ang ating katatagan ng epidemiang ito. Mas nadagdagan pa ito ng malungkot na pangyayari ngayong gabi. Mother’s Day sa Linggo, my heart bleeds para sa lahat ng ina , nanay, mommy, mama, lahat ng breadwinners who will not be able to sleep tonight thinking, worrying of how the coming days will be for their families who depend on them knowing our home network has signed off tonight. Mother’s Day sa linggo 💔

A post shared by Dimples Romana (@dimplesromana) on May 5, 2020 at 6:25am PDT

Bela Padilla, actress

That sign off brought me to tears. Before becoming an employee of ABSCBN 13 years ago, I was a kid who watched sineskwela, bayani and wansapanataym at home. As the youngest child of a single mom, our TV was my companion, ABSCBN, my dear friend. Waiting for you to go on air again.

— Bela Padilla (@padillabela) May 5, 2020

Pokwang, comedienne

Masaya na kayo???? Ha???? Masaya na kayo????????? tandaan nyo ang kaligayahan na nakuha mo na maaaring marami kang natapakan ay mas mdoble ang sakit at iluluha mo!! Hindi natutulog si God ❤️💚💙 #NoToABSCBNShutDown

— marietta subong (@pokwang27) May 5, 2020

Angeline Quinto, singer

Mahigpit na yakap mga Kapamilya💔

— Angeline Quinto (@LoveAQuinto) May 5, 2020

Ruffa Gutierrez, actress

I’m crying while watching the news. Just when we thought there was a slight glimmer of hope that we can still somehow continue to provide for our families and others na umaasa sa amin. I’m heartbroken and angry. 😭😭😭😭 #ABSCBNFranchise #notoabscbnshutdown

— Ruffa Gutierrez (@iloveruffag) May 5, 2020

Erik Santos, singer

Mahigpit na yakap kapamilya. Panginoon, Ikaw na po ang bahala. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/BJUOKCUaWw

— erik santos (@realeriksantos) May 5, 2020

Elisse Joson, actress

We will wait. And while we’re waiting, we will keep our faith. #IStandWithABSCBN

— Elisse Joson (@ElisseJoson) May 5, 2020

Lara Quigaman, actress

Yakap mga kapamilya... 😭❤ God is still in control.

— Lara Alcaraz (@laraquigaman) May 5, 2020

Luis Manzano, host

At dahil magsign off muna ang Kapamilya... hayaan niyo na ito ang huli niyong munang maalala mula sa aming Kapamilya! ❤️ love you all! pic.twitter.com/JdR8fWVIlk

— Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) May 5, 2020

Alex Gonzaga, actress

Our president CLK earlier in the newsroom. He is really the best. Proud to be a kapamilya! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/jR6Teb7530

— Alex Gonzaga (@Mscathygonzaga) May 5, 2020

Maymay Entrata, actress

Laban hanggang dulo.. Pero kahit anong mangyari isang napakalaking pasasalamat ko na naging parte ako sa pamilyang ito.. #NoToABSCBNShutDown pic.twitter.com/ted40I4Pwy

— Maymay (@maymayentrata07) May 5, 2020

Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer

Mapaka lungkot pic.twitter.com/0k36vsT15w

— zsa zsa padilla (@zsazsapadilla) May 5, 2020

Vhong Navarro, actor-host

 

 

 

 

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Mahal na mahal ko ang ABS-CBN at ang mga taong bumubuo nito. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Vhong Navarro (@vhongx44) on May 5, 2020 at 3:50am PDT

Daniel Padilla, actor

 

 

 

 

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Tila isang masamang panaginip..

A post shared by DP (@supremo_dp) on May 5, 2020 at 5:56am PDT

Piolo Pascual, actor

 

 

 

 

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As I was watching closely and with disbelief, tears flowed and my heart just felt the pain.. and then I heard the words ‘now signing off’ then it went black... wasnt able to move for a few seconds... I have nothing but prayers for a positive outcome for this hurdle... and as always we’ll get through this together... let’s continue praying for each other and for ABS to return to broadcasting asap... maraming salamat Kapamilya 🙏🏽

A post shared by Piolo Jose Pascual (@piolo_pascual) on May 5, 2020 at 5:08am PDT

Bea Alonzo, actress

 

 

 

 

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Today’s news is just heartbreaking. I AM A KAPAMILYA, through thick and thin. Mahal ko kayo. 😭 #IStandWithABSCBN #InTheServiceOfTheFilipino ❤️💚💙

A post shared by bea alonzo (@beaalonzo) on May 5, 2020 at 3:31am PDT

Lea Salonga, singer

 

 

 

 

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😢

A post shared by Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) on May 5, 2020 at 5:27am PDT

apl.de.ap, singer

“This is ABS-CBN Corporation Channel 2. In the service of the Filipino. Now Signing Off.” This is devastating. pic.twitter.com/l24clFaP83

— apl.de.ap (@apldeap) May 5, 2020

Billy Crawford, singer

 

 

 

 

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It breaks my heart to have witnessed this day. Sad that the jobs and livelihood of 11k people will be affected, especially in the midst of this pandemic, which has already been heavy to bear. Our Kapamilyas all over the world are heartbroken because of this, and I personally think that, with all things considered, it is just pure heartless and unjust. Where is the human compassion? Well, like #Diddy said “We won’t stop cause We can’t stop” 💙❤️💚🤍 It might be over now, but trust me, 2 things: #wewillremember #WeWillRise

A post shared by Billy Crawford (@billycrawford) on May 5, 2020 at 8:19am PDT

Martin Nievera, singer

 

 

 

 

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I stand with my kapamilya! Why would anyone in their right mind take away a service given whole heatedly by thousands of people solely for the service of the Filipino ? Don’t we have bigger problems? This is a sad sad day...

A post shared by martinnievera (@martinnievera) on May 5, 2020 at 11:14am PDT

Ogie Alcasid, singer

 

 

 

 

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In the service of the Filipino. 💔💔💔🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭❤️💚💙

A post shared by Ogie Alcasid (@ogiealcasid) on May 5, 2020 at 9:13am PDT

Toni Gonzaga, actress-host

 

 

 

 

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It was my biggest dream to work here. Watching it shut down today is the most heartbreaking thing to witness. For the many dreams you have fulfilled and the many people you helped, we will continue to pray for our home network. Mga kapamilya, ngayong araw nagsara ang aming tahanan...#istandwithabscbn. 💔🙏🏼

A post shared by Celestine Gonzaga-Soriano (@celestinegonzaga) on May 5, 2020 at 5:12am PDT

Angelica Panganiban, actress

Lumuhod naman. Bakit niyo pinatay?... PILIPINO KA BA TALAGA??!!!!

— Angelica Panganiban (@angelica_114) May 5, 2020

John Prats, actor

 

 

 

 

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Sobrang sakit na isara ang tahanan ng bawat pilipino:( Mamimiss ko kayo kapamilya🙏🏼 Sana samahan nyo kaming magdasal Kapamilya.

A post shared by John Paulo Q. Prats (@johnprats) on May 5, 2020 at 4:52am PDT

Morissette Amon, singer

 

 

 

 

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#InTheServiceOfTheFilipino WORLDWIDE. milyun-milyong yakap, mga Kapamilya 💙💚❤️🙏🏼🇵🇭

A post shared by M O R I S S E T T E (@itsmorissette) on May 5, 2020 at 8:47am PDT

Carlo Aquino, actor

 

 

 

 

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In the service of the Filipino people #NoToABSCBNShutdown

A post shared by Jose_Liwanag (@jose_liwanag) on May 5, 2020 at 4:21am PDT

Yassi Pressman, actress

 

 

 

 

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Sa tahanang nagpatupad ng mga pangarap at tumulong sa napakaraming tao, maraming salamat po. Patuloy ang pagpatak ng luha ko sa balitang narinig ko. 💔 #Kapamilya #InTheServiceOfTheFilipino

A post shared by Yassi Pressman (@yassipressman) on May 5, 2020 at 5:08am PDT

Richard Gutierrez, actor

 

 

 

 

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In this time of a global health crisis, we should be focused on unity. Not only has ABS-CBN helped those affected by the pandemic and other natural disasters, but it’s also a source of vital information and entertainment for Filipinos across the globe. Praying for those losing their jobs and to the families affected by this. Isang karangalan maging bahagi ng ABS CBN. 🙏 #notoabscbnshutdown

A post shared by Richard Gutierrez (@richardgutz) on May 5, 2020 at 4:19am PDT

Andi Eigenmann, actress

 

 

 

 

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No matter how far away I may be from the limelight, ABSCBN will always be home. I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me. I will always and forever be a kapamilya. #IStandWithAbsCbn #intheserviceofthefilipino #notoabscbnshutdown

A post shared by Andi Eigenmann (@andieigengirl) on May 5, 2020 at 5:32am PDT

Pooh, comedian

 

 

 

 

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Ang dami kong napatapos sa pag aaral dahil sa network ko na to... in the service of the Filipino...

A post shared by pooh_tik (@pooh_tik) on May 5, 2020 at 11:06am PDT

Sarah Geronimo, actress-singer

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sarah Geronimo (@justsarahgph) on May 5, 2020 at 10:09pm PDT

Marco Gumabao, actor

 

 

 

 

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No goodbyes, only see you soon 🙏🏻 #NoToABSCBNShutdown

A post shared by Marco Imperial Gumabao (@gumabaomarco) on May 5, 2020 at 8:24am PDT

Robin Padilla, actor

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by robin padilla (@robinhoodpadilla) on May 5, 2020 at 2:42am PDT