Anthony Castelo, President of Dakilang Lahi Foundation, has issued a statement following the Washington Post article dated May 5, written by Manila reporter Regine Cabato, which “drags President Rodrigo Duterte's name on the issue of ABS-CBN broadcast station's closure.”
According to the OPM singer, the ABS-CBN closure was completely a legal issue. That in the absence of an approved franchise extension by Congress, plus a warning from Solicitor General Jose Calida, the National Telecommunications Commission acted accordingly and issued a cease-and-desist order upon expiration of the broadcast company's license to operate, as provided by law.
"The Washington Post's claim that the Duterte government's decision is "a blow to press freedom and the flow of information in the middle of a pandemic", is totally absurd, it is simply a legal issue- nothing else", Castelo stressed, adding, "the President had absolutely nothing to do with it."
Castelo also said, "In fact, presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio and Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra were in favor of an ABS-CBN temporary extension pending congressional approval.”
"The president has also shown graciousness by accepting ABS-CBN's apology not too long ago and left it to congress who has the sole power to grant a franchise anyway. The President has likewise shown humility by apologizing to the Ayala's and Pangilinan's, and expressed sincerity in solving public utility issues for the good of our country and people", Castelo said.
"Our President is a fair and reasonable person- but he also follows the law," Castelo stressed.
Castelo admits that he has admired ABS-CBN for its longtime dedication to quality programming through the years that gave him and other OPM artists the exposure early on in their music careers.
However, Castelo thinks that the hateful remarks from media and showbiz colleagues like Noli De Castro, Karen Davila, Coco Martin, and Vice Ganda among others from the broadcast station against the administration, Solicitor General Jose Calida and the NTC don't help the company's cause and continuing efforts toward a possible renewal of franchise through Congress, which the singer believes still stands a good chance of passing.
"I can relate to the stirring emotions going around and I truly sympathize with my showbiz friends, the staff over there, and the management", Castelo said, adding "But no matter how one tries to justify it… sadly, some of our people's desire for ABS-CBN's continued broadcasting is not an issue of the station's equity, the charity work it has done, or the possible jobs that may be lost- it is purely an issue of law… just like if your driver's license is expired, you should not be driving in the streets because- it is against the law," he ended.