The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) denounced what they called the "blatant and arrogant" abuse of power following the denial of ABS-CBN's franchise renewal as its members stood in solidarity with their colleagues from Mother Ignacia.

In a statement, the members of the MPC, a group of reporters assigned to cover presidential events inside and outside Malacañang, described July 10 as a dark day for journalism after the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises denied ABS-CBN's bid for a new franchise.

" is yet another assault on press freedom in the country," the group said.

"We grieve the blatant and arrogant abuse of power. This is a warning to the press: do not offend the powers that be. One less watchdog is one step towards tyranny," they added.

The group likewise lamented the fate of ABS-CBN as the public needed more sources of information especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also stood in solidarity for the network's employees whose jobs were put at risk by lawmakers.

"We grieve for the public. In this pandemic, we need more media organizations, not less, to inform the public of the dangers and risks of COVID-19 and how the government is responding to the crisis, and to make them accountable for their missteps," they said.

"We grieve for the thousands of employees of ABS-CBN who are now in danger of losing their jobs amid this pandemic. We stand in solidarity in their fight against this State-backed repression of private media," he added.

However, the group vowed that the move of the House of Representatives will not discourage the fourth estate from keeping those in power in check.

"While we grieve, we are not cowed. We are even more emboldened to carry the torch and continue our mission to inform the public and keep power in check," the MPC said.

A total of 70 lawmakers decided on the fate of ABS-CBN on Friday afternoon. The network has been forced to shut down its free TV and radio operations on May 5 after its franchise expired on May 4.