In a unanimous decision, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises has given the green light to a bill seeking the revocation of the franchise granted to Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), drawing parallels to the fate of ABS-CBN in the past.

The move comes in the wake of multiple violations uncovered during the committee’s hearings.

During the panel session on Tuesday afternoon, the committee swiftly gave approval, without amendments, to House Bill No. 9710, which had been presented by Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of the 1-Rider party-list.

Rep. Gus Tambunting, the committee chair from Parañaque 2nd District, facilitated the approval process, and the corresponding committee report for the bill received subsequent endorsement.

The inquiry into Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), operating under the name Swara Sug Media Corporation, was instigated following assertions by Jeffrey Celiz, host of the ‘Laban Kasama ang Bayan’ program. Celiz falsely asserted that Romualdez had expended P1.8 billion on trips in 2023.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco clarified that the accurate travel expenses for all House members and their staff from January 2023 to October 2023 amounted to only P39.6 million.

The hearings brought to light potential violations of SMNI’s franchise, focusing on three key aspects, as explained by committee member Pimentel:

1. Section 4: Mandating SMNI to “provide at all times sound and balanced programming.”
2. Section 10: Requiring SMNI to inform Congress about any sale of the company to other owners or major changes.
3. Section 11: Mandating SMNI to offer at least 30 percent of its stock to the public.

On March 12, the Committee on Legislative Franchises approved House Bill No. 9710 without amendments, aiming to end the pro-Duterte network’s franchise, officially registered under Swara Sug Media Corporation.

Committee Vice Chairman Johnny Pimentel moved for the conclusion of hearings and the bill’s approval.

“This is already the sixth meeting we conducted. We have already heard all sides pertaining to this matter,” stated Pimentel. “The committee, I believe, was able to establish violations of Swara Sug to their franchise.”

The committee identified four breaches in the provisions of Republic Act No. 11422, SMNI’s franchise law, including Sections 4, 10, 11, and 12.

Allegedly, SMNI disseminated “fake news” under Section 4, failed to obtain congressional permission for changes in ownership per Section 10, violated ownership dispersal requirements in Section 11, and neglected reportorial obligations under Section 12.

Pimentel emphasized, “Their violations are very clear,” anticipating potential opposition from Swara Sug’s legal counsels. The franchise revocation bill is set to advance for plenary approval in the near future.