THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has rejected the network’s appeals to resume broadcasting.
Two suspended television programs on Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” will remain off air, said MTRCB chair Lala Sotto.
The MTRCB rejected SMNI’s motion for reconsideration (MR) as its arguments were mere reiteration of points already raised in its earlier position papers.
The body extended the suspension to 28 days, including the initial 14-day preventive suspension.
“After a meticulous scrutiny of the matters raised in the respective motions, however, the MTRCB concluded that they merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier. As such, the MTRCB has decided to deny both MRs,” the body said.
“Grounded in the principles of due process and fairness, our resolve to enforce accountability in media content regulation is resolute,” the MTRCB said in a statement.
Gikan and the second program “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” which is anchored by hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, who are both accused of Red-tagging critics of the government, were suspended in connection with separate complaints filed against them.
The complaint against Gikan involved the alleged death threats made by Duterte against ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, while the complaint against Laban was connected to alleged spread of “fake news” about House Speaker Martin Romualdez’ travel expenses.
According to MTRCB, the two shows were suspended for alleged violation of established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree 1986 on broadcasting content.
