Amid the ongoing investigation into controversial Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), former President Rodrigo Duterte has conveyed his wish to initiate an “indirect” conversation with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
The investigation has affected both leaders, with scrutiny directed at Duterte’s program on SMNI, “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” due to the former president’s alleged death threats against a member of Congress.
Duterte clarified that he has not spoken with Apollo Quiboloy, the religious leader affiliated with SMNI, recognized as a network supportive of both China and Duterte.
However, Duterte expressed his wish to assist Quiboloy, given that the ongoing probe is affecting both their programs.
Duterte stated, “I do not want to control the President but rather I want to talk to him indirectly.”
“But rather I’d like to talk to him indirectly kung bakit ganun. As far as I am concerned, I have not crucified him not even criticize him severely, maybe commented on the directions that the government is proceeding.”
Despite refraining from direct attacks on the Marcos administration, Duterte targeted House Speaker Martin Romualdez, suggesting a political proxy war against the current regime.
SMNI, owned and operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation, is reported to be a broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) led by Quiboloy.
Duterte hinted at the possibility of issuing a statement in the near future, not necessarily in defense of Pastor Quiboloy but to share his perspective on the unfolding situation, GMA News reported.
He voiced disagreement with the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) decision to investigate SMNI, asserting, “The NTC has not come up with any allegations or charge of any wrongdoing.”
The NTC’s 30-day suspension of SMNI operations, citing alleged violations of franchise terms, prompted SMNI’s counsel to request an extension until January 20 to address the allegations.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil conveyed Malacañang’s openness to dialogue with Duterte.
Garafil stated, “President Marcos is always available to former President Duterte. The President will contact him now to ask if he wants a meeting.”
Responding to Duterte’s recent statements, Garafil emphasized President Marcos’s willingness to meet with the former chief executive, Inquirer reported.
This comes after Duterte expressed his desire to engage with President Marcos indirectly, questioning the impact of the ongoing investigation on his SMNI program.
In one of its recent posts, SMNI, as of this update, appears to be striving to calm the situation, featuring a statement from Duterte asserting, “Destabilization is not a solution.”
According to the post, he underscores the critical importance of letting “democracy work.”
In his statement, the former president stresses, “It is very important that however rotten the system is, it is up to the people in peaceful ways and means to initiate the reforms, either to a Constitutional Convention or Congress converting itself into a Constituent Assembly.”
Duterte emphasizes the imperative for the country to survive, continue, and maintain stability, declaring, “Our country must have continuity, must have stability not only for us but for our children.”
He further adds, “Destabilization is not a solution,” noting that it “cannot guarantee stability, not for ourselves but for the next generation.”
The Daily Netizen 
[…] President Duterte, however, vehemently denied any knowledge of destabilization efforts against the current administration during a recent press […]
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