House OKs SMNI’s franchise revocation due to multiple violations
by Liandrei Crisostomo
The House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) №9710, revoking the franchise given to Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) on March 20, following several instances of noncompliance. SMNI is the broadcast network arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) known for its infamous reportage of disinformation, both of which were founded by Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy.
Committee Chairman and Parañaque City 2nd District Representative Gustavo Tambunting mentioned that SMNI has disseminated false information with its “blatant red-tagging, fake news peddling, and violations of broadcasting standards.”
In December 2023, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a suspension order against SMNI. Despite this directive, SMNI, which operates under the business name of Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), chose to disregard the NTC’s authority.
As a result, the NTC has been compelled to take further action, which resulted in an indefinite suspension of SMNI’s radio and television stations due to their continued noncompliance.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) also suspended two of SMNI’s shows for broadcasting unverified information and issuing death threats. Notably, one of these shows was hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte. At the same time, the other was anchored by Lorraine Badoy, a former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson notorious for red-tagging human rights workers.
Furthermore, Quiboloy has been ordered arrested by the House for his numerous pending cases and multiple unattended hearings.
Gabriela Women’s Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas, who voted in favor of the bill, pointed out that Pastor Quiboloy has persistently disregarded House summons requesting his presence since last year.
Quiboloy is also part of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) most wanted list, together with other members of his church, where he is accused of committing several infractions.
Allegations against him include participation in a labor trafficking scheme and bringing church members to the U.S. via fraudulently obtained visas. Furthermore, it was reported that members were coerced into soliciting donations for a bogus charity, with funds allegedly diverted to finance church operations and leaders’ lavish lifestyles.
Successful fundraisers reportedly faced coercion into sham marriages or obtaining fraudulent student visas for year-round solicitation in the U.S.
Additionally, women were allegedly recruited as personal assistants or “pastorals” responsible for various tasks, including preparing meals and cleaning residences. Allegedly, these individuals were also required to engage in sexual acts with him during what they referred to as “night duty.”
The Senate of the Philippines acknowledged the U.S. indictment and took further action by filing Resolution 884 in December 2023. This resolution aimed to investigate “large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse” within the KOJC.
Several hearings were conducted, where witnesses disclosed several instances of sexual abuse, coercion, exploitation, and physical punishments within the organization — all hearings were unattended by Pastor Quiboloy.
Despite the efforts of the House of Representatives to revoke the legislative franchise, the Senate would need to approve the bill before it could take effect. Senator Ronald dela Rosa said that the bill revoking SMNI’s legislative franchise would be treated like any other bill.
Meanwhile, House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez staunchly defended the revocation of SMNI’s legislative franchise, labeling it as a “decisive action” that underscores the commitment to uphold the integrity of broadcasting standards and the public’s trust. Conversely, Vice President Sara Duterte cautioned that revoking the SMNI’s franchise could be seen as an encroachment on media freedom.
Rep. Brosas emphasized that while press freedom is a fundamental right, it does not justify the spread of false information. SMNI’s revocation, she asserted, is not an issue of press freedom but rather a consequence of spreading misinformation.
On a similar note, ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro argued that SMNI should not be equated with legitimate media outlets, stating that it does not adhere to the standards of responsible journalism.
