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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bill revoking SMNI franchise gets penultimate House nod 

Bill revoking SMNI franchise gets penultimate House nod 

Published Mar 13, 2024 11:56 am

At A Glance

  • The measure seeking the revocation of controversial television network SMNI breezed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, March 13. 

Screenshot_20231130-164845_Chrome.jpgSMNI logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The measure seeking the revocation of controversial television network SMNI breezed through second reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, March 13. 

In just roughly five minutes, House Bill (HB) No. 9710 was taken up in plenary, sponsored, and given penultimate approval by the 300-plus strong chamber. 

Presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco declared the bill as passed on second reading following a simple voice vote ("ayes" vs. "nayes"). 

Delivering a short sponsorship speech on HB No.9710 was Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises. 

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, an assistant minority leader, authored the measure.

It's title reads, "An Act revoking the legislative franchises granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation, operating under the business name Sonshine Media Network International, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 11422, titled 'An Act renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation.'" 

SMNI is closely identified with is honorary chairman, controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. 

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/house-smni-probe-perfect-place-for-quiboloy-to-defend-himself-solon

 

After Tambunting's relatively short sponsorship speech, the plenary breezed through the periods of debate, committee amendments, and individual amendments. The solons chose not to participate in these periods. 

The measure has a chance to be approved on third and final reading next week, before the lawmakers go on Holy Week break. 

The second-reading approval happened a day after the Tambunting panel approved HB No.9710. 

The termination of SMNI’s broadcasting privilege is being sought for its alleged violation of at least four conditions in its franchise, including the mandate to be fair and accurate in its broadcasting, dispersal of at least 30 percent of its shares of stock to the public, obtaining the permission of Congress for its change of ownership, and the reportorial requirement.

 

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Apollo Quiboloy second reading SMNI House of Representatives
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