BROADCAST operator Swara Sug Media Corp, also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), has asked three commissioners of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to inhibit from further participating in discussions related to the 30-day suspension imposed on the media network.
The SMNI asked the NTC to exclude Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan, Deputy Commissioner Alvin Bernardo Blanco, and Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez from the hearings, but did not provide an explanation for the motion.
Aside from seeking the inhibition of the three officials, the network also asked the Commission to give it an additional 15 days to submit its comment on the suspension and asked the Commission to specify and detail the alleged violations of its Certificate of Public Convenience.
The NTC gave the SMNI until January 15 to file its comment.
“The order of 19 December 2023 did not specify the violation, by the respondent, of its Certificate of Public Convenience, which is within the purview and jurisdiction of this Honorable Office,” SMNI said.
“As such the respondent cannot intelligently file a responsive pleading without first being informed of the charges against it, particularly its violation of its Certificate of Public Convenience,” it added.
The NTC imposed a 30-day suspension on the operations of the SMNI in December over reported violations of the terms and conditions of its franchise.
In issuing the suspension order, the NTC cited its powers pursuant to Section 16 of the Public Service Act, as amended. It also said that it took cognizance of the House’s authority over all matters directly and principally relating to the grant, amendment, extension, or revocation of franchises.
This came after it received a copy of the resolution of the House of Representatives calling for a suspension of SMNI’s operations. The House cited three violations allegedly made by the network — deliberately disseminating false information, the transfer of shares without prior congressional approval, and failure to offer at least 30 percent of its outstanding stock to the public.
The NTC said it is objectively studying SMNI’s motions and shall proceed to consider and resolve the same in adherence to the provisions of NTC’s Rules of Procedure, and tenets of fair play and due process.
The SMNI has also asked the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to reconsider the suspension of its two programs — the Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa and Laban Kasama ang Bayan.
The MTRCB on January 3 said that it found that SMNI violated Presidential Decree 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations and imposed a 28-day suspension on the two programs.
“Wherefore, considering all the foregoing, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Office that the decision dated 03 January 2024 be reconsidered and set aside and that the suspension for a period of 28 days, inclusive of the 14 days preventive suspension period be lifted,” SMNI said, adding that the suspension allegedly violates the right to freedom of speech, freedom of expression of the press, and due process of law.
