Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the pro-China and pro-Duterte media outlet owned by Apollo Quiboloy, is set to go off air for 30 days after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a show cause order alongside a suspension order against the network.

The NTC’s action, issued on Tuesday, December 19, but only made public on Thursday, December 21, stems from a resolution by the House of Representatives, urging the regulatory body to suspend SMNI over alleged violations of the terms of its franchise.

According to the NTC’s statement, they are “acting on” the House resolution, directing SMNI to explain within fifteen days why it should not face administrative sanctions for violating the conditions of its franchise.

In a recent social media post, SMNI expressed gratitude to its supporters, saying, “Mga ka-partner, salamat sa patuloy na suporta sa SMNI!”

However, the post was met with less-than-supportive responses, as many users cheered SMNI’s suspension.

The NTC justified its suspension order by citing the House of Representatives’ declaration in Resolution No. 189, claiming that SMNI has violated at least three specific provisions of its legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 11422.

Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo attempted to distance former President Rodrigo Duterte from the issue, stating that Duterte believed he was not the target of the suspension.

In the Philippines, Congress issues broadcasting privileges or franchises, while the NTC is tasked with regulating and supervising radio and television broadcast stations.

SMNI, notorious for red-tagging, is closely associated with Duterte and currently features him as one of its hosts on the show “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.”

Another host, Lorraine Badoy, a government official during the Duterte administration, has also faced a 14-day suspension from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Duterte’s show was temporarily taken off the air for threats made against ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, while Badoy’s show was suspended for reporting an alleged increase in travel spending by House Speaker Martin Romualdez without verification.

SMNI’s challenges are far from over, as a bill has been filed in the House calling for the revocation of its franchise.

The NTC has scheduled an administrative hearing on January 4, 2024, following its suspension order against SMNI.