Padilla presses for Senate probe into SMNI's continued indefinite suspension

Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla renewed his call for the Senate to conduct an investigation into the continued indefinite suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). 

Padilla said it is imperative to probe the possible violation of press freedom with SMNI’s continued suspension.

"The imposition of baseless suspension orders on SMNI not only constitutes a denial of due process but also an erosion of press freedom," Padilla said in filing Senate Resolution 1000. 

SRN 1000 primarily directs the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he chairs, to conduct the inquiry.

“The right of the people to public information should not be unduly curtailed because access to information on matters of public concern and of general interest can help people in democratic decision-making by giving them a better perspective of vital issues confronting our society,” he stressed in his resolution.

In his resolution, Padilla pointed out the Supreme Court’s declaration in the cChavez vs Gonzales 2008 case 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 world would be allowed to curtail it."

Padilla also lamented that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which suspended SMNI's operations since end-2023 and issued an indefinite suspension against it last January, failed to justify the need to suspend SMNI’s operations and “much more express how this is necessary to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests.”

“It is hereby resolved, to direct the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the definite suspension of SMNI which allegedly violates press freedom,” he stressed in the resolution.

Prior to filing SRN 1000, Padilla also filed Senate Resolution No. 960 also urging the Senate to conduct in an inquiry into the SMNI’s indefinite suspension.

At the same time, Padilla filed Senate Resolution No. 999 urging the mass media panel to investigate, in aid of legislation, the key role of the mass media in maintaining a healthy and functioning democracy especially in the light of the escalating territorial and maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

The senator pointed out no less than President Marcos Jr. had underscored the importance of the media in leading and fostering public discussion, truth and credibility, the rule of law especially in broadcasting, news reporting and information dissemination.

According to Padilla, the WPS dispute poses potential threats to the entire ASEAN region and inadvertently put the Philippines in a potential crisis situation.

"(It) is crucial for Filipinos to be well-informed of the consequences of our political inclination and possible courses of action should these aforementioned global conflicts escalate," he said in SRN 999.

"In critical times like this, experience tells us that the mass media, which is considered truth-tellers, plays a vital role in affecting public perception pertinent to existing conflicts," he added.

He also said it is imperative that the Philippine media  relays accurate and timely information to the public on pressing issues, particularly on present global conflicts with the end view of raising awareness and enabling citizens to prepare and make sound decisions for themselves."