MTRCB extends to 28 days suspension of Duterte SMNI shows

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board dismissed the appeal filed by Sonshine Media Network International on the MTRCB’s suspension of two SMNI television programs that feature former president Rodrigo Duterte and his former official Lorraine Badoy. 

Instead the MTRCB extended the suspension of SMNI shows “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” to 28 days, from the original 14.

The MTRCB decision came days after the National Telecommunications Commission issued an indefinite suspension on SMNI operations for failure to comply with the 30-day directive of NTC.

“After a meticulous scrutiny of the matters raised in the respective motions, however, the MTRCB concluded that they merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier. As such, the MTRCB has decided to deny both MRs,” MTRCB head Lala Sotto said in junking the motions for reconsideration.

“The Board, in exercising its adjudicative authority, found the respondents’ assertions unconvincing and lacking persuasiveness,” Sotto said. 

She noted that the initial decision to suspend the two programs stemmed from multiple complaints of alleged use of death threats and profane language by a host on “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” during its Oct. 10, 2023 episode.

She added that although initial complaints were dismissed, the MTRCB issued a stern warning to the network that any future similar infractions would be dealt with more severely, which shows the board’s commitment to fairness and thoroughness.

According to Sotto, upon careful review and consideration of the complaints received by the board, and following hearings conducted, the programs were deemed in violation of established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations governing broadcasting content.

The NTC on Monday served the indefinite suspension on SMNI.

In a six-page order, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez also directed SMNI to submit a written explanation after it did not follow the one-month suspension earlier issued by the commission.

SMNI lawyers Rolex Suplico and Mark Tolentino said the indefinite suspension issued by the NTC only covers the radio and broadcast stations of SMNI, adding that its social media will continue to operate.

They said that SMNI will appeal the ruling.

Palace review

Suplico said SMNI will raise the issue with the OP through a petition for review.?

“We will file a petition for review with the Office of the President. We still have 15 days to do it. I am just surprised that the MTRCB decided against SMNI when the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has already dismissed the criminal complaint filed by Rep. Castro against president Duterte. The MTRCB should have followed the lead of the QC Prosecutor,” Suplico told The STAR.

Suplico was referring to the ruling of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office junking the first criminal complaint filed against former president Duterte by ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro for insufficiency of evidence.?

For his part, Tolentino said a motion for consideration will be filed before the NTC after the latter issued an indefinite suspension in the operation of the television network.?

“We will file (the motion for consideration) next week,” Tolentino said, as he alleged that the order of the NTC only shows that there is no freedom of the press in the country.?Suplico said the cease-and-desist order of NTC violated due process under Article III, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution.

“Under the Bill of Rights, no person shall be deprived of his life, liberty and property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws. This order was issued without notice of hearings. In fact, the bases of the order were non-existent,” Suplico noted.

The House of Representatives through House Resolution 189 has urged NTC to suspend the business of Swara Sug for allegedly violating the terms and conditions of its franchise under Republic Act 11422. The resolution lists multiple violations reportedly committed by SMNI in its media business.

The issue stemmed from the allegations made by SMNI hosts Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz that Speaker Martin Romualdez spent P1.8 billion on foreign travel between January and October 2023.

SMNI, operated by Swara Sug, serves as the broadcasting arm of Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the appointed son of God.