NTC suspends SMNI operations for 30 days

MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission has suspended the operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for 30 days for alleged violations of its franchise terms.

According to a release, the NTC issued a suspension on all radio and television stations operated by SMNI on December 19 — the same day that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board slapped a two-week preventive suspension on two SMNI programs.

Along with the suspension, NTC has also issued a show-cause order against Swara Sug Media Corporation — the firm that owns SMNI — and demanded an explanation in writing within 15 days upon receipt as to why it should not be administratively sanctioned.

The NTC’s decision was made with “due deference” to the House of Representatives, which recently adopted a resolution calling on the NTC to suspend the network over the alleged violation of at least three specific provisions of its legislative franchise.

“In ordering the 30-day suspension of Swara Sug’s operations of its radio and television stations pursuant to Section 16 (n) of the Public Service Act, as amended, the NTC took cognizance of the House of Representatives’ declaration in Resolution No. 189,” the NTC release stated.

The NTC also noted that it participated in the three hearings held by the House legislative franchise panel that led to the resolution urging the suspension of SMNI’s franchise.

The regulatory body will hold administrative hearings related to SMNI's case on January 4.

The law granting SMNI a 25-year franchise, Republic Act 11422, was signed August 2019.

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