THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has reaffirmed the suspension of two shows of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) over complaints about alleged death threats and profane language uttered by former President Rodrigo Duterte during a show of the television channel last Oct. 10.
Suspended were the SMNI shows “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan.”
The MTRCB underscored that both programs violated broadcasting rules on decency and proper decorum.
The MTRCB denied an appeal by the SMNI for reconsideration of the suspension order.
The SMNI had been the subject of separate hearings at the House of Representatives regarding potential franchise violations, including the broadcast of false and defamatory information.
The hearings also addressed an alleged threat made by former President Rodrigo Duterte on his show “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa” against ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro.
SMNI hosts were also reported to have tagged activists, human rights workers, and political figures as rebels and terrorists.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has also ordered SMNI to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations pending a hearing and final consideration of an administrative case filed with the regulatory body.
The SMNI management has yet to comment on this development at press time.
In dismissing SMNI’s motion for reconsideration of the suspension order, MTRCB chairperson Diorella Sotto said the network “merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier.”
“MTRCB’s mandate is to protect viewers from inappropriate content, more so on Television where viewers of all ages have unadulterated access. Grounded in the principles of due process and fairness, our resolve to enforce accountability in media content regulation is resolute,” the MTRCB stressed.