A former lawmaker, now acting as one of the lawyers for Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), believes that the network has become so influential that certain groups are attempting to shut it down. Currently, SMNI is under suspension by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for alleged violations of Republic Act 11422, the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corp., the corporate name of SMNI.
Efforts to revoke SMNI’s franchise are underway in the House of Representatives, initiated by Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez. In an interview on SMNI News’ program “Business and Politics,” hosted by The Manila Times’ chairman and CEO Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd, telecommunications lawyer and former Iloilo representative Rolex Suplico shed light on the reasons behind the network’s targeted attack.
Suplico pointed to the “polarization of politics” between Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as one of the main factors behind SMNI’s current situation. The conflict arose when the issue of the vice president’s confidential and intelligence funds was raised during last year’s budget hearings in Congress.
“SMNI is identified to be a Davao-based network allied with the Dutertes. Take SMNI out of the equation, and maybe the other side will be given a fighting chance,” Suplico explained. With 59 television and radio stations nationwide, SMNI holds significant national reach. Despite the suspension of its broadcast operations, Suplico noted that some quarters still feel the network’s influence, as they are pushing to silence SMNI’s social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Suplico, who is also a program host on SMNI Radio, emphasized that the network continues to support the government’s programs to such an extent that some perceive it as a “second government [media platform].” He dismissed the idea that SMNI would support House Speaker Martin Romualdez as a presidential candidate after President Bongbong Marcos, asserting that such a scenario is unimaginable and would never occur.
Local politics in Davao City may also play a role in the network’s current predicament. Suplico believes that the Nograles family is positioning themselves for a potential mayoral run against the incumbent mayor of Davao City, Sebastian Duterte, in 2025.
SMNI has a pending motion for review at the Office of the President regarding the suspension of two of its programs: “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan.” Furthermore, former Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. has filed a petition for injunction in the Supreme Court. Suplico revealed that the network is awaiting the outcome of its pending motion for reconsideration regarding the NTC suspension. If denied, SMNI plans to file a petition at the Court of Appeals to challenge the NTC’s decision.
Suplico believes that if successful, SMNI may pursue a damage suit and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act against the NTC. The outcome of these legal proceedings will determine the future of SMNI and its ability to continue its operations.
In conclusion, the battle surrounding Sonshine Media Network International is a complex power struggle influenced by political polarization, local politics, and the network’s perceived influence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of SMNI hangs in the balance, and its ability to continue serving as a media platform supportive of the government’s programs remains uncertain.
Source: The Manila Times
