NTC makes 30-day SMNI suspension indefinite

MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission yesterday ordered the indefinite suspension in the operation of the radio and television stations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the broadcasting arm of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, after the group failed to comply with an earlier 30-day NTC suspension order.

In a six-page order to cease and desist operation obtained by The STAR, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez also directed SMNI to explain why it failed to follow the month-long suspension the commission issued in December last year.

“Pursuant to Sec. 4, Rule 10, the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure… the Commission hereby directs respondent to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations under the authorities enumerated in the 19 December 2023 show-cause-order (with 30-day suspension order pending hearing and final consideration of the above-captioned case),” the order stated.

“Respondent is hereby ordered to submit, within a period of 15 days from receipt hereof, its written explanation as to why it failed to strictly follow the 30-day suspension order,” it added.

The indefinite suspension order was also signed by Deputy Commissioners John Paulo Salvahan and Alvin Bernardo Blanco.

It also directed the concerned NTC regional directors, who exercise territorial jurisdiction in areas where SMNI is operating, to immediately and strictly implement yesterday’s order.

SMNI lawyers Rolex Suplico and Mark Tolentino confirmed to The STAR having received the order and that the media network would comply.

However, they clarified that the social media platform of SMNI would continue to operate as it is not covered by the suspension directive.

They also said that SMNI would file a motion to have the indefinite suspension reconsidered.

In ordering the indefinite suspension, the NTC commissioners noted that the 30-day suspension order was issued against SMNI on Dec. 19, 2023 after the House of Representatives said in Resolution 189 that the SMNI violated several provisions of its franchise as provided under Republic Act 11422.

But instead of filing any answer, the SMNI instead asked the commission to