Revocation of Sonshine Media Network International Franchise
A bill seeking to revoke the franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), owned by controversial televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, has recently been passed at the committee level. This development paves the way for the bill to be forwarded to the plenary for further deliberation.
House Bill 9710 and Committee Approval
House Bill 9710, filed by 1-Rider Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, has received unanimous approval from all members of the committee chaired by Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting. Surigao del Norte Rep. Johnny Pimentel moved to approve the bill without any revisions.
Grounds for Revocation
During six hearings, the committee thoroughly discussed all provisions of Republic Act 11422, which pertains to the bill renewing the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp., the business name of SMNI. The committee found that the network violated several sections, including “Responsibility to the Public,” “Sale, Lease, Transfer, Grant of the Usufruct or Assignment of Right of the Franchise,” “Dispersal of Ownership,” and “Reportorial Requirement.”
Based on these findings, Rep. Pimentel stated, “I believe that this committee has found sufficient grounds to revoke their franchise.”
Timeline and Contempt Order
Chairman Tambunting expressed the committee’s goal of passing the bill before the House adjourns sine die in May. Earlier, the committee issued a contempt order on Pastor Quiboloy for repeatedly failing to attend the hearings.
However, Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for Quiboloy, requested the committee to defer the implementation of the contempt order until Friday, as he intends to persuade the televangelist to appear before the committee.
Vice President Duterte’s Statement
Vice President Sara Duterte has released a statement in support of Pastor Quiboloy, emphasizing that he has been judged guilty even though the witnesses are hiding their identities and their credibility has yet to be established. She also considers the indefinite suspension of SMNI as a matter of media freedom.
Responding to Duterte’s message, Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles expressed her respect for the vice president’s opinion but urged her to also respect the legislative process.
As this bill progresses through the legislative procedure, it will be interesting to observe the discussions and debates surrounding the revocation of SMNI’s franchise. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for media organizations and their responsibilities to the public.
Source: The Manila Times
