INQToday: NTC suspends SMNI operations for 30 days; China: We hope PH will make rational decisions

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

NTC suspends SMNI operations for 30 days

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) suspended the operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for 30 days on Thursday.

The NTC said its directive was initiated in response to a House resolution, which urged the suspension of SMNI over alleged violations of its franchise’s terms and conditions.

PCO: Special half-working day on Dec 22 ‘fake news’

The supposed declaration of December 22 being a special half-working day is fake, said the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday.

“It’s fake,” PCO Sec. Cheloy Garafil told reporters through Viber.

Fake proclamation: Chavez takes full responsibility for fiasco

Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Cesar Chavez on Thursday took responsibility for the fake proclamation declaring December 22 as a half-working day.

“Apologies. I also posted a content that was not first verified by me,” said Chavez in a statement.

Teodoro says PH-Japan visiting forces deal may be signed next year

The talks for a visiting forces deal between the Philippines and Japan may be finished by next year, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Teodoro said the Department of National Defense already received from their Japanese counterparts the counter draft of the reciprocal access agreement (RAA).

DTI on buying fireworks for holiday celebrations: Be cautious

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday reminded the public to be extra careful when buying fireworks for the holiday celebrations.

On the sidelines of DTI’s inspection of fireworks and firecrackers stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan, Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said some fireworks and firecrackers being sold in the market that have the Philippine Standard Quality (PS) Mark are not licensed for sale by manufacturers.