MTRCB suspends SMNI Duterte show, other programs

DAVAO CITY - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the airing of two SMNI programs for 14 days following complaints on the alleged violations of the shows "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan."

Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa is hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Laban Kasama ang Bayan is anchored by Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz.

The MTRCB said complaints were filed against Duterte’s October 10 where he allegedly aired a death threat against Rep. France Castro, of the ACT Teachers party-list and another alleged death threat on November 5.

This was also reported by CNN Philippines which quoted the MTRCB saying “it issued a warning to SMNI that similar incidents will be dealt with more sternly. The TV network committed to pre-record and review episodes before airing.”

The report also said the program Laban Kasama ang Bayan was also brought to the attention of the MTRCB after Celiz claimed on-air that House Speaker Martin Romualdez spent 1.8 billion for travels this year. The host admitted in a House hearing that the information from his Senate source was unverified.

The MTRCB said it was a unanimous decision to suspend "Laban Kasama ang Bayan," while majority of the board members voted to halt the airing of Duterte's weekly show.

"To prevent the possible repetition of these alleged infractions which may pose a negative impact on public welfare, ethical considerations, and the overall reputation of the broadcasting industry, the Board determined the need to preventively suspend the subject program/s," it explained.

It added SMNI is expected to rectify the issues during the suspension period.

Castro welcomed the suspension order and hoped this would mark the start that the hosts are made accountable for their consistent red tagging, according to CNN Philippines.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend SMNI’s operations. Another lawmaker also filed a bill seeking the revocation of SMNI's franchise over alleged violations and fake news peddling. (Mindanao Examiner, CNN Philippines)