NTC: SMNI wants to know what franchise violations the network made

Photo of SMNI logo from INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) has asked National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to specify what franchise violations the network allegedly committed.

This inquiry by the broadcasting company was confirmed by the commission.

SMNI is also asking three NTC commissioners to inhibit from the case.

The network did not mention why it made such requests.

In a statement on Thursday, NTC recalled a hearing was held on January 4 to discuss the suspension order handed against SMNI by the commission.

During the hearing, network representatives were asked to respond to the complaints against the company.

In response, SMNI had asked for an extension to answer the allegations.

NTC now confirmed SMNI sought from NTC a ‘Bill of Particulars’ to specify the network’s alleged violations.

“Respondent Swara Sug/SMNI’s request for an extension of time to file Answer and gave it until 15 January 2024 within which to file the same,” NTC relayed the request of SMNI.

(SMNI operates under the business name Swara Sug Media Corporation.)

“Thereafter, or on 11 January 2024, Respondent Swara Sug/SMNI filed a Motion for Bill of Particulars praying that the NTC specify and detail the violations of its Certificate of Public Convenience,” the commission disclosed.

SMNI also wanted 3 NTC officials to remove themselves from the case.

“[…] NTC conducted a hearing in Administrative Case No. 2023-052, during which Respondent Swara Sug Media Corporation with Business/Trade Name Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) filed its Motion to Inhibit (with Motion for Extension of Time) praying that the three (3) members of the Commission inhibit themselves from further acting on the case,” NTC’s statement read.

Back on December 21, NTC suspended SMNI’s operations.

The order came, following a resolution of House of Representatives which called for the suspension of SMNI over alleged violations of its franchise.

The company drew flak after ‘Laban Kasama ang Bayan’ host Jeffrey Celiz wrongly claimed House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion for travel in just a year.

The issue prompted House committee on legislative franchises to start a hearing.

During the probe, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco clarified all legislators in the chamber only spent P39.6 million, and not P1.8 billion, for foreign trips from January to October 2023.

During the proceedings, several other possible violations were identified by House members.

These offenses supposedly included changes in the SMNI ownership.

The network reportedly did not notify the House about this development.

Some lawmakers also pointed out SMNI failed to offer 30 percent of its stocks to the public, which is supposedly part of the rules.

READ: No ‘power play’ in probe of SMNI, says Rep. Johnny Pimentel 

In response to the new inquiry of SMNI, NTC told the network that it is looking into the motions filed.

“The NTC is objectively studying Respondent Swara Sug/SMNI’s afore-mentioned Motions, and shall proceed to consider and resolve the same in adherence to the provisions of NTC’s Rules of Procedure, and tenets of fair play and due process,” it said.