THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended two programs of the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for 14 days after a review and investigation into the programs’ alleged violations, the same issues being investigated by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
The MTRCB, which is headed by its chairperson Lala Sotto, issued a preventive suspension which started on December 18 on the shows “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan.”
“Upon careful review and consideration of recent events and complaints received by the Board, it was found that certain aspects of the abovementioned programs may have violated the established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations governing broadcasting content,” the MTRCB said in a statement.
The MTRCB said it received multiple complaints regarding an alleged death threat made by a “guest” on the October 10 episode of Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa.
It was on the show that former president Rodrigo Duterte made a death threat on militant lawmakers led by Rep. France Castro (PL, ACT) when he discussed the House of Representatives’ decision to remove the requested confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, under the proposed 2024 national budget.
On November 30, the Board said it received a complaint about unverified news broadcasted on Laban Kasama ang Bayan related to the alleged expenditure of P1.8 billion in travel funds by Speaker Martin Romualdez, a claim made by host Jeffrey Celiz which was debunked by the House leadership during the hearings of the franchises panel.
The House franchises panel is also set to tackle next month a resolution calling for the revocation of SMNI’s legislative franchises for various violations such as engaging in dissemination of fake news and red-tagging of Duterte critics.
The unanimous decision to suspend the two programs was reached during the MTRCB Board’s meeting last December 13. “The decision aligns with the powers granted to the MTRCB by Presidential Decree No. 1986, ensuring that television programs adhere to contemporary Filipino cultural values,” it said.
The MTRCB cited Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, empowering the Board to approve or disapprove television programs “that may be objectionable, including those undermining faith in the government or authorities, and being libelous or defamatory.”
“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 by virtue of Section 3, Chapter XIII of the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of P.D. (Presidential Decree) No. 1986,” the MTRCB said.
Moreover, it said Section 3, Chapter XIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations allows the chairperson to issue a preventive suspension order to prevent further violations or protect the interest and welfare of the public.
Castro welcomed the 14-day preventive suspension, saying it is “long overdue.” “But at least now something has been done to curtail the constant red-tagging, spreading of disinformation (fake news) and threatening of individulas using these two shows as well as the network,” she said.
