SMNI suspended for 28 days more as MTRCB rejects appeal

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) extends the suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) shows to 28 more days. On Friday, January 26, 2024, government television censors announced it rejected SMNI’s motions for reconsideration (MRs) of its earlier suspension orders. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) extended the suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) shows to 28 more days as government television censors rejected their motions for reconsideration (MRs) of earlier orders.

According to the board, SMNI’s assertions in its MRs were “unconvincing and lacking persuasiveness.”

“The MTRCB concluded that they merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier,” the board said in a statement Friday. “As such, the MTRCB has decided to deny both MRs.”

On December 18, 2023, the MTRCB issued a 14-day preventive suspension against SMNI shows “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan.”

SMNI appealed the order on January 11.

The embattled media company also had its television and radio operations indefinitely suspended by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

In an order dated January 18, the NTC directed SMNI to cease and desist its operations pending a hearing and final consideration of an administrative case lodged against the network before the commission.

This NTC order followed its earlier 30-day suspension order against SMNI. The NTC issued the 30-day suspension on December 21, 2023, but found SMNI’s non-compliance with the directive as the network was “still operating in certain areas in Region VI by as late as 27 December 2023.”