‘Pedro’s sin is his alone’

Swara Sug Media Corporation, operator of Sonshine Media Network International, yesterday petitioned the Court of Appeals for a temporary restraining order against the 30-day suspension order issued against it by the National Telecommunications Commission.

The company, arguing that it was denied due process, filed a petition for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, and prayer for injunction/TRO.

Attorney Mark Tolentino told reporters the NTC "simply ceded its authority" to the House of Representatives, which had earlier called for the suspension based on accusations SMNI never had a chance to refute.

He called the House request for suspension an "abuse of power," alleging that it stemmed from SMNI's purported broadcast of content not to the House leadership's liking.

Tolentino further argued that the NTC, while performing quasi-judicial functions, appeared to have been  influenced by the House proposition despite its being part of the executive branch.

Attorney Rolex Suplico echoed Tolentino's concerns, saying that it was unfair to penalize the entire network for alleged violations in two specific programs, "Gikas sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan."