The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has taken further action against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the media outlet associated with Apollo Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ, by ordering an indefinite suspension of its radio and television operations.
This comes after SMNI failed to comply with the initial 30-day suspension imposed by the NTC. In a cease and desist order, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez directed SMNI to provide a written explanation within 15 days regarding its failure to adhere to the previous suspension issued in December.
The order, co-signed by Deputy Commissioners John Paulo Salvahan and Alvin Bernardo Blanco, also instructed NTC regional directors to strictly implement the suspension in the areas where SMNI operates.
Lawyers for SMNI, Rolex Suplico and Mark Tolentino, confirmed receipt of the order and assured compliance. However, they clarified that the social media platform of SMNI would remain operational as it falls outside the scope of the suspension. SMNI intends to file a motion seeking a reconsideration of the indefinite suspension.
The House of Representatives had previously called for the suspension of SMNI, citing violations of franchise provisions outlined in Republic Act 11422. The controversy arose when SMNI hosts, Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, made allegations against Speaker Martin Romualdez concerning substantial foreign travel expenses.
Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church, is currently on the FBI’s most wanted list for various offenses, including child sex trafficking.
The accusations made by SMNI hosts added fuel to an already contentious situation. SMNI’s legal representatives had previously appealed to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board to reconsider preventive suspension orders affecting two programs featuring former president Rodrigo Duterte and Badoy.
