MTRCB suspends SMNI shows of Duterte, Badoy

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has imposed a 14-day preventive suspension order on two programs of the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) that feature former president Rodrigo Duterte and his former administration official Lorraine Badoy.

The MTRCB yesterday said it issued a suspension order on “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” that became effective last Monday.

The agency said the suspension was a result of a “thorough review and investigation” on supposed violations on the show’s aired content.

“Upon careful review and consideration of recent events and complaints received by the board, it was found that certain aspects of the above-mentioned programs may have violated the established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations governing broadcasting content,” the MTRCB said in a statement.

It added that it received multiple complaints regarding an alleged death threat made on the show “Gikan sa Masa,” but did not directly name Duterte as the guest.

SMNI had committed to pre-recording and reviewing episodes, but another complaint on alleged death threats and profane language was filed regarding another episode last month.

Meanwhile, “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” was suspended over an unverified report claiming that Speaker Martin Romualdez has travel funds amounting to P1.8 billion.

Badoy and co-anchor Jeffrey Celiz were recently detained at the House of Representatives after they were cited in contempt over the unverified report.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro welcomed the suspension.

“This suspension is long overdue, but at last, now something has been done to curtail the constant red[1]tagging, spreading of disinformation (fake news) and threatening of individuals using these two shows as well as the network,” Castro said in a statement.

She expressed hope that this MTRCB decision “marks the start of SMNI and the people behind it being accountable.”

“The authorities should look into the pattern and consistent red tagging, terrorist-labeling for longer and more decisive