Photo courtesy of SMNI
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 7 June) — The Facebook page Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), where former President Rodrigo Duterte aired his views on certain issues, has been removed from the platform.
“We regret to inform you that the Facebook page of former President Rodrigo Duterte, SMNI Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa, has been removed without any opportunity for us to appeal this decision,” the news channel said in a statement Friday morning.
SMNI called the removal an apparent effort “to silence [their] commitment to delivering truthful news.”
“Our commitment to fight for press freedom and contribute to the growth of our nation remains unshakeable,” it added.
The page was also used to post social media cards from programs aired by SMNI and re-echo statements of Duterte. It streamed live the latest “Hakbang ng Maisug prayer rally” in New York, United States last week.
It may be recalled that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a 30-day suspension order against SMNI on December 31 due to alleged violations of its legislative franchise under Republic Act 11422.
In addition, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board suspended the programs “Gikan Sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” for two weeks starting December 19, citing the broadcasting of death threats, profanities, and false information.
The suspension came after Rep. Margarita “Migs” B. Nograles of Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta requested on December 4 the NTC to suspend SMNI for spreading false information and red-tagging. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
