National Artist BenCab: 'I stand with ABS-CBN' | ABS-CBN

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National Artist BenCab: 'I stand with ABS-CBN'

National Artist BenCab: 'I stand with ABS-CBN'

ABS-CBN News

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National Artist Ben "BenCab" Cabrera has expressed his support for ABS-CBN, saying that having an "atmosphere of freedom" is crucial during this COVID-19 pandemic. BenCab's Facebook page

MANILA -- "Press freedom and freedom of expression, during normal times, are vital -- moreso in this COVID-19 pandemic," said National Artist Ben "BenCab" Cabrera, as he threw his support behind the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.

Cabrera, who has often been hailed as one of the most important figures in the Philippine contemporary art scene, shared his thoughts on the cease-and-desist order to have ABS-CBN's free channels taken off air on Facebook, explaining how artists and journalists can only give their best within an "atmosphere of freedom."

He wrote: "I stand with ABS-CBN and all other news organizations in the line of fire for critical coverage of events affecting the nation."

"The pandemic-related quarantine teaches us a lot about the value of freedom. We need both press freedom and freedom of expression at these critical times. We need credible and critical information to better understand what’s happening and to navigate our way forward.

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"To my fellow artists, I reiterate my message to LODI in Baguio in 2018: 'In a free and democratic society, all artists should be unrestrained in the making of their art. We should be free to decide what we will create and how we will create it. Those who feel threatened by the power of art should not be allowed to repress human creativity. We have the right to create work that pushes boundaries and promotes discussion of controversial topics. We need the freedom to offend without fear.'

He concluded by saying: "Only in an atmosphere of freedom can the artist and the journalist give their best. Freedom enables the nation to confront the poverty, treason and rising tyranny that make the pandemic much worse than it already is."

Cabrera, who was conferred the National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts in 2006, posted his statement with a photo of him with his fist over his chest -- the pose many online have been using, from celebrities to ordinary fans, as a show of support for ABS-CBN.

It comes a day after the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole passed on second reading a bill that will give ABS-CBN a provisional franchise until October 2020.

The bill will require passage on third and final reading before it is transmitted to the Senate, then to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature and enactment into law.

ABS-CBN was ordered to go off air by the National Telecommunications Commission last May 5, after its franchise granting it license to operate its free channels expired.

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