SMNI Duterte, Badoy shows suspended
By Cynthia Montojo
"Upon careful review and consideration of recent events and complaints received by board, it was found certain aspects of above-mentioned programs may have violated established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations governing broadcasting content," Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has imposed 14-day preventive suspension order on two programs of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) featured former president Rodrigo Duterte and his former administration official Lorraine Badoy.
MTRCB said it issued suspension order on "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" became effective last Monday.
MTRCB said suspension was result of "thorough review and investigation" on supposed violations on show's aired content.
It added it received multiple complaints regarding alleged death threat made on show "Gikan sa Masa," but did not directly name Duterte as guest.
SMNI had committed to pre-recording and reviewing episodes, but another complaint on alleged death threats and profane language was filed regarding another episode last month.
"Laban Kasama ang Bayan" was suspended over unverified report claiming Speaker Martin Romualdez has travel funds amounting to P1.8 billion.
Badoy and co-anchor Jeffrey Celiz were recently detained at House of Representatives after they were cited in contempt over unverified report.
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro welcomed suspension.
"This suspension is long overdue, but at last, now something has been done to curtail constant redtagging, spreading of disinformation,fake news and threatening of individuals using these two shows as well as network," Castro said in statement.
She hope MTRCB decision "marks start of SMNI and people behind it being accountable."
"Authorities should look into pattern and consistent red tagging, terrorist-labeling for longer and more decisive measures," lawmaker said.
Castro earlier filed grave threat charges against Duterte over alleged death threat he uttered on Gikan sa Masa.
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also welcomed MTRCB's decision.
MTRCB action is vindication of Bayan's complaints against SMNI's alleged red-tagging and disinformation, according to group's chairman Teodoro Casiño.
"I hope MTRCB also considers many other incidents when these two shows spewed false and defamatory content, including death threats and malicious imputations of serious crimes against innocent people," Casiño said in statement.
Former lawmaker on Monday filed P2.1-million suit against Badoy and Celiz who he said have "falsely, maliciously and repeatedly" accused him of being involved in terrorism and rebellion.
Casiño said lies and incitement against him and other activists, government critics and members of opposition are much worse than incidents cited by MTRCB.
He added regulatory body could use their complaints as basis in reviewing violations of hosts and SMNI.
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also supports suspension of SMNI shows. Certain NUJP members have complained of being red-tagged by Badoy, former spokesperson for National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
"While we are wary of government censorship, we note network was given due process on its potential violations, due process that was not given to individuals and organizations Badoy-Partosa and Celiz brazenly defamed on their show," NUJP said in statement issued earlier.
Former lawmaker filed P2.1-million civil suit against SMNI hosts Lorraine Marie Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz.
In filing case, former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño said Badoy and Celiz have been "falsely, maliciously and repeatedly" accusing him of being involved in terrorism and rebellion as supposed ranking official of Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
"They have been constantly spewing lies, aspersions, inciting ridicule and hate against me, my family, my fellow activists and our legitimate political beliefs and activities," Casiño said.
He said reason for filing case was also for the "sake of other activists and ordinary citizens" victimized by SMNI.
According to Casiño's lawyer, Kristina Chi, civil complaint is for damages under Articles 19, 20 and 21 of Civil Code, provide remedies against people who abuse their rights.
Chi enumerated several malicious public statements "red-tagged and maligned" Casiño.
Among them were utterances of Badoy and Celiz in their talk show aired on SMNI, allegedly calling Casiño " liar, thief, enabler of criminal and terrorist acts and risk to national security."
Chi also cited open letter of Badoy on Facebook addressed to parents of students in De La Salle Greenhills, warning them not to let their children go near Casiño due to his supposed involvement in terrorist group.
Celiz remains unperturbed by civil case, describing move as form of "harassment and intimidation."
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