Sen. Robinhood "Robin" Padilla filed a resolution on Monday, March directing a Senate panel to lead an inquiry into the indefinite suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In Senate Resolution 960, Padilla sought to have the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he chairs, to handle the investigation "in aid of legislation."

"The imposition of baseless suspension orders on SMNI not only constitutes a denial of due process but also an erosion of press freedom," he said in his resolution.

Padilla maintained the National Telecommunications Commission, in its show-cause and suspension orders on SMNI, "failed to indicate the need to suspend the operations of SMNI, much more express how this is necessary to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests."

He added that people's right to public information "should not be unduly curtailed" because access to information on matters of public concern will help people by giving them a better perspective of vital issues confronting our society.

Also, Padilla noted the Supreme Court - in the case of Chavez vs Gonzales in February 2008 - made clear that freedom of the press is "crucial and so inextricably woven into the right to free speech and free expression, that any attempt to restrict it must be met with an examination so critical that only a danger that is clear and present would be allowed to curtail it."

SMNI was issued a show cause order last Dec. 19, 2023, against Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC) asking it to explain in writing within 15 days from receipt why it should not be administratively sanctioned for allegedly violating the condition of its authorities to comply with all the laws, rules, and regulations of the land.

NTC also issued a 30-day suspension against the network's operation for radio and television stations for 30 days.

On Jan. 18, 2024, NTC issued an indefinite suspension order for non-compliance with the previous 30-day suspension order.