Robin Padilla wants probe into NTC’s suspension orders vs SMNI

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Robinhood Padilla wants the indefinite suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) radio and television stations investigated in the Senate.

Through Senate Resolution No. 960, which was lodged on Monday,  Padilla asked the  Senate committee on public information and mass media to inquire about the indefinite suspension order imposed by the National  Telecommunications Commission (NTC)  against SMNI last January 18.

The indefinite suspension order stemmed from SMNI’s alleged failure to comply with  NTC’s previous 30-day suspension order last December over the network’s alleged violations of its franchise’s terms and conditions.

“The imposition of baseless suspension orders on SMNI not only constitutes a denial of due process but also an erosion of press freedom,” Padilla said in the resolution.

While recognizing the  NTC’s power to suspend or revoke any certificate issued under  the provisions of the Public Services Act, the senator  pointed out a proviso in the law which states that the suspension should not exceed 30 days “to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests.”

“The NTC, in its show cause and suspension order, failed to indicate the need to suspend the operations of the SMNI, much more express how this is necessary to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests,”  Padilla said in the resolution.

“In the absence of proof of serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or private interests that may be caused by SMNI’s continued operations, the general rule shall apply wherein the NTC shall have the power, upon proper notice and hearing, to issue a suspension order pursuant to the Public Services Act,” he pointed out.

Last January 8,  Padilla also lodged  Senate Resolution No. 895, condemning the 30-day suspension order against SMNI.

SMNI  has been accused of propagating false news after one of its show hosts, Jeffrey Celiz, alleged that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s travel expenses have reached P1.8 billion.

The allegation was already belied by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, who said that the entire chamber only spent P39.60 million for its travels between January and October of 2023.