A viral video recently posted by popular TikTok creator Yobab has shed light on the deteriorating state of the ABS-CBN compound, stirring controversy online. In the video, Yobab shows viewers the neglected building, highlighting its dirty surroundings and visibly damaged ceilings. The disrepair of the once-thriving media giant’s headquarters has sparked discussions about the network’s current state since its shutdown in 2020.
ABS-CBN was forced to cease operations on May 5, 2020, after its broadcast franchise expired and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order. The move came amid a heated political climate, with critics accusing the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte of exerting pressure to close the network. ABS-CBN, known as the Philippines’ largest broadcasting network, was no stranger to such challenges. However, its closure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic caught many by surprise and triggered a nationwide debate about press freedom.
The network’s franchise renewal had been pending in Congress for years, but it failed to pass despite several attempts. The closure also brought back memories of the network’s shutdown during the Martial Law years under Ferdinand Marcos, highlighting a recurring pattern of political interference with the country’s media landscape. The Lopez family, owners of ABS-CBN, have long faced challenges from the government, dating back to the Marcos era when the network was forcibly shut down and seized by the regime.
TINGNAN: LOOB NG ABSCBN BUILDING NANLULUMO SA KADUMIHAN AT TAGPI TAGPING KISAME NAKAKALOKA!
— Kapuso Things || May ABS pa ba? (@KapusoThingsPH) September 20, 2024
Kitang kita nga sa vlog ng popular tiktok creator na si yobab ang karumihan ng compound na tila di man lang mapalinis or mapagawa 😭😭😭 need ba mag pass the hat forda funds? 🤭🥴 pic.twitter.com/jxTn7Bi8dP
Since its closure, ABS-CBN has struggled to recover fully, operating on limited platforms like cable and online streaming. The viral video from Yobab, showing the poor state of the compound, has reignited discussions about the future of the network and its role in Philippine media. While some are sympathetic to the plight of ABS-CBN, others see the video as a symbol of the network’s current struggle for relevance in an ever-evolving media landscape.
The controversy surrounding the ABS-CBN shutdown remains unresolved, as public sentiment continues to be divided on the issue. For many, Yobab’s video serves as a stark reminder of the network’s fall from its former glory, while others view it as a call to action for change within the media industry.