SMNI becoming 'powerful' – ex-lawmaker

A FORMER lawmaker who now acts as one of the lawyers for the embattled Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) believes the network has become so powerful that some quarters wanted to shut it down.

SMNI is under suspension by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for alleged violations of Republic Act 11422 or the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corp., the corporate name of SMNI.

SMNI lawyer Rolex Suplico. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

The network is facing an inquiry in the House of Representatives in efforts to revoke its franchise — which was filed by two lawmakers, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez.

In an interview on SMNI News’ current affairs program “Business and Politics” hosted by The Manila Times’ chairman and chief executive officer Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd, telecommunications lawyer and former Iloilo representative Rolex Suplico said the “polarization of politics” between Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez were among the main reasons why SMNI is being attacked.

Suplico said that the spat began when the issue of the vice president’s confidential and intelligence funds was raised during the budget hearings in Congress last year.

“So, where does SMNI stand there? SMNI is identified to be a Davao-based network allied with the Dutertes. Take SMNI out of the equation, and maybe the other side will be given a fighting chance,” Suplico said, adding that the network’s 59 television and radio stations nationwide gave them national reach.

He pointed out that some quarters “still feel the power” of SMNI even during the suspension of its broadcast operations because some of the detractors wanted SMNI’s social media accounts (Facebook and YouTube) to be “silenced.”

Suplico, also a program host on SMNI Radio, said that the network continues to be supportive of the programs of the government that some people even view the network as a “second government [media platform].”

“I think that they cannot imagine the situation that SMNI would support the candidacy of Speaker Martin Romualdez as president after President Bongbong Marcos. I think that situation cannot be imagined; that would never happen,” he said.

Local politics in Davao City may also have had a hand in the issue of the network, as he believes the Nograles family is angling for a potential mayoral run against the incumbent mayor of Davao City, Sebastian Duterte, in 2025.

SMNI has a pending motion to review at the Office of the President regarding the suspension of two SMNI programs: “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” as well as a petition for injunction in the Supreme Court filed by former Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr.

Suplico said that the network is waiting for its pending motion for reconsideration for its suspension in the NTC, which, if denied, would warrant them to file a petition at the Court of Appeals to question the NTC motion.

He believes that if they were successful, SMNI may file a damage suit and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act against NTC.