Image: Instagram/@iamangelicap
In the wake of media conglomerate ABS-CBN’s shutdown last Tuesday, actress Angelica Panganiban is calling for press freedom along with mass testing for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Panganiban said that the public’s attention had been diverted from the health crisis, as lawmakers continue to debate as to who is to blame over the TV network’s expired legislative franchise. She also appealed for the prioritization of Filipinos’ welfare amid the pandemic via her Twitter post today, May 9.
The media giant signed off from television and radio on May 5, in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s cease-and-desist order. NTC issued the order after the TV network’s franchise expired after May 4.
After protesting on behalf of the TV network with her fellow actors, Panganiban apparently wants to return the people’s attention to the pandemic.
“Asan na mass testing?” Panganiban asked today. “Mabalik tayo. Nililihis niyo kami.”
(Where is the mass testing [for COVID-19]? Let us go back. You’re sidetracking us.)
Asan na mass testing? Mabalik tayo. Nililihis niyo kami.
— Angelica Panganiban (@angelica_114) May 8, 2020
In a follow-up tweet, Panganiban added: “Mass testing, press freedom, vaccine, ayuda, PAKIUSAP (subsidy, please).”
Mass testing, press freedom, vaccine, ayuda, PAKIUSAP
— Angelica Panganiban (@angelica_114) May 8, 2020
According to the Department of Health, the country targets to conduct 30,000 tests per day by the end of May. However, it missed its former target to conduct 8,000 tests per day by the end of April.
The department has also been working toward “expanded testing” or “targeted testing.” Unlike mass testing, “targeted testing” intends to broaden the scope of people to be tested for COVID-19 with asymptomatic patients and healthcare workers among its main priorities.
Aside from mass testing, Panganiban also emphasized who she thinks should be the priority during the pandemic.
“Pinoy sa pinoy. Apakasimple. May pandemic,” she said. “Parang awa niyo na. Pinoy muna…. pinoy muna pleas.”
(Filipino to Filipino. It is very simple. There is a pandemic. I am begging you. [Let us] put Filipinos first, please.)
Pinoy sa pinoy. Apakasimple. May pandemic. Parang awa niyo na. Pinoy muna…. pinoy muna pleas.
— Angelica Panganiban (@angelica_114) May 8, 2020
DOH has recorded 10,463 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country as of yesterday, May 8. Nearly 700 patients (696) have died due to the disease, while 1,734 have recovered. DOH has also tested more than 130,000 individuals in the country as of this writing.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN actors rallied behind the TV network last night, to protest its shutdown. The online protest called “Laban, Kapamilya!” included some of the TV network’s brightest stars, such as Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, Judy Ann Santos and more. The event was hosted by Boy Abunda and Bianca Gonzalez. /ra
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