NTC now studying SMNI's appeals

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The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Thursday said it is now studying the appeals filed by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) in relation to the suspension of its operations.

This came after SMNI, operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation, filed a motion for Bill of Particulars where they asked the NTC to specify and detail the violations of its Certificate of Public Convenience and to attach the documentary evidence.

SMNI explained that the order, dated December 19, 2023, did not specify its violation when the NTC imposed a 30-day suspension on its operations.

In a statement, the NTC acknowledged that SMNI filed a motion for Bill of Particulars praying that the NTC specify and detail the violations of its Certificate of Public Convenience.

The agency also said that SMNI filed a motion asking three of its commissioners; namely NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan, and Deputy Commissioner Alvin Bernardo; to inhibit themselves from further acting on the case.

SMNI also requested an additional 15-day period within which to file its answer why it should not be administratively sanctioned.

“The NTC is objectively studying Respondent Swara Sug/SMNI’s afore-mentioned Motions, and shall proceed to consider and resolve the same in adherence to the provisions of NTC’s Rules of Procedure, and tenets of fair play and due process,” the telecommunications regulator said.

During the hearing conducted on January 4, the NTC said it granted SMNI’s request for extension of time to file and gave it until January 15, 2024 within which to file the same.

NTC’s suspension order versus SMINI’s operations came after it received a copy of a resolution from the House of Representatives citing three violations allegedly made by SMNI — deliberately disseminating false information, the transfer of shares without prior Congressional approval, and failure to offer at least 30% of its outstanding stock. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

This article NTC now studying SMNI’s appeals was originally published in GMA News Online.