Meta Platforms, Inc. suspended the Facebook pages of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and its affiliates for allegedly promoting hate and harmful racial stereotypes.
The affected pages include SMNI Integrated News and DZAR 1026, both linked to the controversial network owned by televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.
“If this is the price for speaking the truth, then so be it. SMNI will always speak the truth that matters,” SMNI said through Pulso ng Bayan, its public affairs program.
Meta cited violations of its community standards, which prohibit content that promotes hatred, violence, or harmful stereotypes.
The network has previously been criticized for spreading misinformation and red-tagging critics of the Philippine government.
SMNI is also known for its strong ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has publicly defended Quiboloy.
The station also regularly hosts Duterte allies, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Lorraine Badoy.
Dela Rosa questioned Meta’s decision, expressing concern over what he called censorship against pro-administration voices.
“Pilipinas, where do we go from here?” he said.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has ramped up efforts to combat misinformation and hate speech across its platforms.
The company has previously suspended pages connected to other controversial figures and organizations for similar violations.
In 2023, Meta removed Quiboloy’s personal Facebook page following U.S. sanctions against him for alleged human rights abuses.
SMNI’s YouTube channel and TikTok account were also taken down around the same time.