Effective December 18, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended the airing of two SMNI programs for 14 days.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 19, the MTRCB said it received several complaints about the alleged violations of the shows "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte, and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" hosted by Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz.
According to MTRCB, the complaints involved reported death threats and profane language aired on ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s show and Jeffrey Celiz’s false claim about House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s travel expenses.
On October 10, in a "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" episode, Duterte threatened to kill ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, according to the board. It also said that it received another complaint about an alleged death threat and profane language by a guest on the same show on Nov. 15.
According to the MTRCB, SMNI received a warning from them that such occurrences would be handled sternly. The broadcast media then vowed to record and edit episodes in advance of broadcast.
The MTRCB was also made aware of the show "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" following Celiz's on-air statement that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had expended 1.8 billion on travel this year.
During a House hearing, the host acknowledged that the material he received from his Senate source was unconfirmed.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1986, the board has the power to approve or disapprove television programs that may defame the government or authorities.
“The MTRCB emphasizes that said order of preventive suspension is a proactive measure aimed at addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with established standards, which shall be in effect for fourteen (14) days, during which SMNI is expected to address and rectify the identified issues,” it remarked.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution requesting the National Telecommunications Commission to halt SMNI's operations.
A measure to revoke SMNI's franchise due to alleged violations and fake news peddling was also introduced by 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez.
