The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Thursday, Dec. 21 ordered the suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for 30 days.
"The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), acting on the House of Representative's Resolution No. 189, entitled 'Resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend the operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation operating under the business name Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), for violating the terms and conditions of its franchise under Republic Act No. 11422'," NTC said in a statement.
Swara Sug Media Corporation (Swara Sug), using the business/trade name SMNI, was the recipient of the Dec. 19 order.
NTC emphasized that "in ordering the thirty-day suspension of Swara Sug's operations of its radio and television stations under Section 16 (n) of the Public Service Act."
In light of the amendments, the NTC declared that “it took cognizance of the House of Representatives' declaration in Resolution No. 189 that Swara Sug has violated at least three specific provisions of its legislative franchise, Republic Act No. 11422, and gave due deference to such determination of the House of Representatives and its authority over all matters directly and principally relating to the grant, amendment, extension, or revocation of franchises."
Furthermore, the NTC directed Swara Sug to provide a written explanation within fifteen days of receipt " why it should not be administratively sanctioned for alleged violation of the condition of its authorities to comply with all the laws, rules and regulations of the land."
The NTC was among the invited agencies and actively participated as a resource person/agency in three committee hearings conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises.
This active involvement resulted in the issuance of Resolution No. 189.
Moreover, the body noted that the administrative hearing by the NTC, following the issuance of the said order, is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2024.