On December 21, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines released a statement regarding the 30-day suspension of SMNI, per the order of the National Telecommunications Commission.
On their Facebook page, NUJP, while acknowledging their issues with SMNI’s known red-tagging and peddling disinformation, highlighted the dangers of ‘attempts to weaponize the law and muzzle media.’
They posted an art card titled “As Dangerous Then as It Is Now.”
The post further reads, “Media workers have the right to feel vindicated or even celebrate these developments, but we cannot lose sight of how these moves used against ABS-CBN, Bulatlat, and PinoyWeekly.”
NUJP also referenced what happened to Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. They also cited that SMNI staff and consultants should be held accountable for their violations and not because the network offended members of Congress.
While reminding the public about the government’s involvement in holding SMNI accountable, NUJP also called out the network’s supporters who were crying out for press freedom and freedom of expression.
“Even as SMNI and its supporters cry press freedom and freedom of expression now, may they also reflect on how they cheered on and abetted similar moves when these tactics were being used against journalists and newsrooms.”
https://www.facebook.com/nujphil/posts/pfbid02rqQpGhimsaVm9PQmexdTAp3FfStDRD2ocbde7kYLs6RQumtMekHqNhfyXAVMaWY2l
Aside from NTC’s order, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) filed a 14-day suspension order for two SMNI programs, including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s show.
Others also considered SMNI’s suspension a form of justice for what the Duterte administration did to media platforms such as ABS-CBN, Rappler, and Bulatlat.
