SMNI asks NTC to detail violations, wants MTRCB to reconsider suspension of 2 shows

DAVAO CITY - Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) has asked government regulators to detail its violations and reconsider the suspension of its two television programs.

SMNI filed a motion for a bill of particulars before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), asking the agency to explain its violations on its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

In an order issued on Dec. 19, the NTC suspended SMNI for 30 days as a response to a House resolution calling on the regulator to act on allegations involving House Speaker Martin Romualdez aired on SMNI.

SMNI said NTC's order did not specify the violations, by the respondent, of its Certificate of Public Convenience. "As such, the respondent cannot intelligently file a responsive pleading without first being informed of the charges against it," it added.

Aside from a congressional franchise, a radio or television network must also have a CPC, an authority provided by the NTC to applicants it deems capable of delivering public service in the promotion of public interest.

SMNI also asked the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTCRB) to reverse its decision to suspend "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" hosted by former president Rodrigo Duterte as well as “Laban Kasama ang Bayan" hosted by former government anti-communist task force spokesperson Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz.

The MTRCB acknowledged SMNI's motions for reconsideration, saying the network has a right to file such. "We will thoroughly review SMNI's motion for reconsideration in strict accordance with our functions and responsibilities as mandated by Presidential Decree," it said.

The MTRCB previously said complaints were filed against "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" over Duterte’s profane language and death threats against ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro.

Duterte said he wants to "indirectly" talk to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about why his program was affected by the investigation into SMNI's alleged violations, saying he does not recall "severely" criticizing anyone in the government.

"Laban Kasama ang Bayan" was also brought to the attention of the MTRCB after Celiz claimed on air that Romualdez spent ₱1.8 billion for travels in 2023. The host admitted during a House hearing that the information from his Senate source was unverified. (CNN Philippines)