ABS-CBN said the airing of a Chinese newscast on its cable channel ANC "should not be equated" with the long-running disputes in the West Philippine Sea, as some on social media questioned its move.
Chinatown News, delivered in Mandarin, English and Filipino, was carried by ANC just days after ABS-CBN reporter Chiara Zambrano and her team were chased by a Chinese ship, while on assignment in the West Philippine Sea.
ABS-CBN News head Ging Reyes said the Lopez-owned broadcaster has "editorial control" over content on Chinatown News. ABS-CBN provides the newscast with "national news stories and ensure accuracy of the translation from Mandarin to English subtitles."
"I understand the concerns on Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea and many other issues related to the country’s relations with China. ABS-CBN News has vigorously covered these issues, in our pursuit of truth and public enlightenment," she said on Twitter late Wednesday.
"But we resist discrimination against any race or ethnicity. The airing on ANC of Chinatown News should not be equated with the intrusions in the West Philippine Sea," she said.
WHAT WENT BEFORE:
ABS-CBN Airs Chinese Newscast on ANC
LOOK: Chinese Fishermen Take Giant Clams Off Philippine Islands
In 'Utmost Displeasure', Manila Summons Chinese Ambassador
Early Thursday, ABS-CBN, Filipino-Chinese and Mandarin were trending on Twitter. Some posts asked how the network could continue standing for press freedom while airing propaganda material.
ABS-CBN's flagship free TV business has been off the air since May last year, when Congress denied its application for a franchise renewal, despite refuting all allegations hurled against it.
Reyes said Chinatown News is "produced by fellow Filipinos who belong to the Filipino-Chinese community. They are part of Philippine society."
"Rather than belittle their attempt to provide a service to their local community, it’s time we considered embracing the diversity of this land we all call home," she said.
MORE ON ABS-CBN:
Duterte Says He 'Will Not Allow' NTC to Grant Permit to ABS-CBN
Why Star Maker Johnny Manahan Left ABS-CBN
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