A political storm is brewing in the Philippines as the House of Representatives initiates an investigation into Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), purportedly a pro-China media network associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte.
This move follows a pattern reminiscent of the controversial shutdown of ABS-CBN, a giant TV network that Duterte and his allies considered a political foe.
The lower chamber, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the first cousin of President Bongbong Marcos, has directed its legislative franchises panel to initiate a swift probe of SMNI starting Thursday, November 30.
The trigger for this investigation is the alleged dissemination of disinformation by the network, which recently vehemently condemned the ICC’s threat to investigate Duterte.
Quezon 2nd District Representative David Suarez, in a privilege speech on November 28, revealed concerns about false reports circulating on SMNI’s evening programs.
These reports targeted House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accusing him of extravagant overseas spending, specifically over P1.8 billion in international travels with his entourage.
Suarez denounced the allegations, stating, “What SMNI aired was ‘fake news.’ This is not true.”
“Did they even care to validate? Did they even care to ask? Did they even care to find out what really is the truth with regards to this matter,” Suarez asked, pointing to SMNI, which he accused of spreading fake news.
House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco, in a separate statement read by Suarez, labeled the report as a “blatant attempt to spread misinformation and defame the speaker’s character.”
The House is now demanding the retraction of the SMNI report from circulation, emphasizing accountability for those involved.
Velasco condemned the situation as a “deliberate attack on the integrity of the House,” portraying it as a threat to democratic institutions.
Velasco further conveyed, as per Suarez, that the House “demand[s] immediate retraction and apology from those spreading those fake lies.”
SMNI, recognized for its alignment with Duterte and red-tagging government critics, recently received a controversial “ethical journalism” award from the much-mocked “Asia Pacific Luminare Awards.”
The network gained prominence for broadcasting Duterte’s program, “Gikan sa Masa,” where he criticized the House of Representatives and its members, including Romualdez.
Beyond allegations of spreading fake news, the program is also perceived as pro-China, with both Duterte and SMNI owner Quiboloy expressing admiration for China and its leader, Xi Jinping.
In a previous episode, Duterte and Quiboloy aligned themselves with pro-Chinese sentiments regarding the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
The network’s pro-Duterte stance and alleged spreading of fake news may not be its only legal challenges, as speculations arise about potential tax-related charges.
The Daily Netizen predicts that the Romualdez-led House might file tax charges against SMNI and Quiboloy, given Duterte’s earlier statements about friends in Davao not paying taxes.
On World Press Freedom Day this year, SMNI also faced criticism for red-tagging journalists.
Velasco strongly rebutted claims of Romualdez’s extravagant travel expenses, calling them “completely unfounded and categorically false.”
He urged the public and media to exercise caution and verify facts before sharing such claims, emphasizing the House’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Despite calls for Romualdez to explain the alleged travel expenses, Velasco emphasized the House’s dedication to serving the nation with integrity, focusing on legislative duties rather than being swayed by “unfounded rumors and misinformation.”
The Daily Netizen 