NTC studying appeal to inhibit
‘The NTC 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’
Daily Tribune‘The NTC 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’
Photograph Courtesy of NTC
The National Telecommunications Commission, or NTC, is studying the appeal of Swara Sug Media Corp., also known as the Sonshine Media Network International or SMNI led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, to have three of its commissioners recuse themselves from a case involving the network’s alleged franchise violations.
“The NTC 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 NTC said.
The NTC has confirmed that it has granted SMNI’s request for an extension to defend itself from allegations.
On 11 January, SMNI filed a Motion for Bill of Particulars, asking the NTC to specify and detail the violations of its Certificate of Public Convenience.
The NTC held a hearing on Administrative Case No. 2023-052 on 4 January. During the hearing, SMNI filed a Motion to Inhibit, with Motion for Extension of Time, asking that the three members of the Commission recuse themselves from further participating in the case. SMNI also requested an additional 15 days to file its Answer.
On 19 December 2023, the NTC issued a Show Cause Order with a 30-day Suspension Order, particularly against the television and radio operations of SMNI.
The Order followed the House of Representatives Resolution 189, released after SMNI’s supposed red-tagging and airing of false information that House Speaker Martin Romualdez used P1.8 billion for his travels this year.
The measure, filed by Pwersa ng Bayanihang Atleta Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles, was adopted by the lower chamber earlier this month. It said SMNI has violated at least three provisions of Republic Act 11422, which was signed in August 2019 and which granted the network the legislative franchise to operate for 25 more years.
The NTC was invited to participate as a resource person/agency in three committee hearings conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises, which eventually led to the issuance of a Resolution.
