The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) issued an indefinite suspension order against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for its failure to comply with an earlier 30-day suspension order last December.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, the NTC said it directed SMNI to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations, pending hearing and final consideration of the administrative case against it.
This is pursuant to Section 4, Rule 10 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure before the NTC, which allows the agency to motu proprio issue a cease-and-desist order against any respondent to protect the interest and welfare of the public.
The NTC earlier issued a 30-day suspension order against respondent Swara Sug Media Corporation, the franchise owner of SMNI, for allegedly violating the terms and conditions of its charter under Republic Act 11422 last Dec. 21, 2023.
Despite this, the agency said it received reports showing that SMNI “did not strictly comply with the suspension aspect thereof and was still operating in certain areas” across Western Visayas as of Dec. 27, 2023.
In addition, the order said that during an administrative hearing last Jan. 4, 2024, the NTC gave SMNI an extension to file its answer to the complaint until Jan. 15, 2024. But instead of filing an answer, SMNI filed a Motion for Bill of Particulars on Jan. 11, which the Commission denied on Jan. 16, 2024.
The order also noted that Swara Sug moved to inhibit all three sitting NTC commissioners from further proceeding in the case, instead of directly addressing the allegations against it. The NTC already denied the said motion in a separate order dated Jan. 17, 2024 due to utter lack of merit.
The NTC directed Swara Sug to explain in writing within 15 days from receipt of the order dated Jan. 18, 2024, why it failed to strictly comply with the 30-day suspension.
Founded in 1987, SMNI is a broadcast media network associated with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ organization of Filipino televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. It has headquarters in the cities of Davao and Makati.