MTRCB extends to 28 days suspension of Duterte SMNI shows

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board dismissed the appeal filed by Sonshine Media Network International on the MTRCB’s suspension of two SMNI television programs that feature former president Rodrigo Duterte and his former official Lorraine Badoy. 

Instead the MTRCB extended the suspension of SMNI shows “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” to 28 days, from the original 14.

The MTRCB decision came days after the National Telecommunications Commission issued an indefinite suspension on SMNI operations for failure to comply with the 30-day directive of NTC.

“After a meticulous scrutiny of the matters raised in the respective motions, however, the MTRCB concluded that they merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier. As such, the MTRCB has decided to deny both MRs,” MTRCB head Lala Sotto said in junking the motions for reconsideration.

“The Board, in exercising its adjudicative authority, found the respondents’ assertions unconvincing and lacking persuasiveness,” Sotto said. 

She noted that the initial decision to suspend the two programs stemmed from multiple complaints of alleged use of death threats and profane language by a host on “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” during its Oct. 10, 2023 episode.

She added that although initial complaints were dismissed, the MTRCB issued a stern warning to the network that any future similar infractions would be dealt with more severely, which shows the board’s commitment to fairness and thoroughness.

According to Sotto, upon careful review and consideration of the complaints received by the board, and following hearings conducted, the programs were deemed in violation of established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations governing broadcasting content.

The NTC on Monday served the indefinite suspension on SMNI.

In a six-page order, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez also directed SMNI to submit a written explanation after it did not follow the one-month suspension earlier issued by the commission.

SMNI lawyers Rolex Suplico and Mark Tolentino said the indefinite