The House Committee on Legislative Franchises took action against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) host Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz on Tuesday, issuing a contempt citation due to his refusal to answer the panel’s questions. The committee had been holding a hearing to investigate Celiz’s source for a report he mentioned on his SMNI public affairs show, “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” regarding the supposed P1.8-billion travel funds of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
During the hearing, Quezon Rep. David Suarez asked Celiz to identify the source of the report. However, Celiz cited the Sotto Law, which protects journalists from revealing their sources, and declined to answer the question. “I will not answer that question because I believe Congress does not have the right to interpret laws,” Celiz stated.
Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco attempted to offer Celiz an opportunity to answer the question during an executive session, but Celiz refused, expressing concerns about the potential dangers faced by media practitioners who protect their sources.
Vice Chairman Johnny Pimentel invoked Section 11 of the Committee Rules and cited Celiz for contempt, citing his “disrespectful manner” and refusal to answer relevant inquiries.
As Celiz was escorted out by the House sergeant-at-arms, he loudly exclaimed that the committee was behaving like a “kangaroo court,” which offended several lawmakers present.
SMNI’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, assured the committee that the network does not share Celiz’s views regarding the committee being a “kangaroo court.”
The committee announced that Celiz would be detained at the House of Representatives until the House plenary approves the committee report on the possible suspension or cancellation of SMNI’s franchise, as recommended by the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises has taken a firm stance against Sonshine Media Network International host Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, who was held in contempt for his refusal to cooperate with the panel’s inquiries. The committee’s actions were prompted by Celiz’s refusal to disclose the source of a report he discussed on his show, “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” which alleged the existence of P1.8-billion travel funds belonging to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Celiz, invoking the Sotto Law, which safeguards journalists’ sources, declined to answer the committee’s questions, asserting that Congress lacks the authority to interpret laws. Despite Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco’s offer to address the matter in an executive session, Celiz declined, citing concerns for the safety of media practitioners who protect their sources.
The committee, led by Vice Chairman Johnny Pimentel, held Celiz in contempt under Section 11 of the Committee Rules, citing his disrespectful behavior and refusal to provide relevant information. As Celiz was escorted out of the hearing by the House sergeant-at-arms, he accused the committee of acting like a “kangaroo court,” provoking a strong reaction from lawmakers in attendance.
SMNI’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, distanced the network from Celiz’s remarks, stating that they do not share his view of the committee as a “kangaroo court.” The committee has decided to detain Celiz at the House of Representatives until the House plenary reviews the committee report on the possible suspension or cancellation of SMNI’s franchise, as recommended by the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises’ decision to cite Sonshine Media Network International host Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz for contempt underscores the committee’s commitment to upholding its investigative authority. Celiz’s refusal to cooperate with the panel’s inquiries regarding the source of a report discussed on his show has led to his detainment at the House of Representatives.
Celiz’s reliance on the Sotto Law, which safeguards journalists’ sources, to evade the committee’s questions raises important questions about the boundaries of press freedom and the role of Congress in interpreting laws. Despite offers to address the matter in a more private setting, Celiz expressed concerns about the potential risks faced by media practitioners who protect their sources.
Vice Chairman Johnny Pimentel’s decision to cite Celiz for contempt, based on Section 11 of the Committee Rules, reflects the committee’s commitment to maintaining decorum and ensuring the provision of relevant information. Celiz’s outburst, accusing the committee of acting like a “kangaroo court,” has drawn criticism from lawmakers who perceive his remarks as disrespectful.
SMNI’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, emphasized that the network does not share Celiz’s characterization of the committee as a “kangaroo court.” The committee’s decision to detain Celiz until the House plenary reviews the committee report on the possible suspension or cancellation of SMNI’s franchise demonstrates the seriousness with which the committee regards the allegations against the network.
Overall, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises’ actions against Celiz highlight the importance of accountability and cooperation in the face of inquiries. The committee’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its investigations ensures that relevant information is brought to light, while also respecting the principles of press freedom and the protection of sources.
Source: The Manila Times
