The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) rejects the appeal of SMNI (Sonshine Media Network International) against the suspension of two of its shows—Laban Kasama ang Bayan and Gikan sa Masa, Para Sa Masa. PHOTO/S: LABAN KASAMA ANG BAYAN YOUTUBE/MTRCB FACEBOOK
Ibinasura ng Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) ang motion for reconsideration na inihain ng Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) sa kanilang ahensiya.
Ito ay kaugnay ng 14-day preventive suspension na unang ipinataw ng MTRCB sa nasabing broadcast entity dahil sa paglabag sa guideliness ng dalawang programa nito — ang Laban Kasama ang Bayan at Gikan sa Masa, Para Sa Masa.
Naglabas ng suspension order ang MTRCB sa SMNI nang makatanggap ang ahensiya ng reklamo ukol sa hindi beripikadong impormasyon tungkol sa 1.8 billion pesos travel funds umano ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez na umere sa isang episode ng programang Laban Kasama ang Bayan nina Lorraine Badoy-Partosa at Jeffrey Celiz.
Kasama rin sa nasuspinde ang Gikan sa Masa, Para Sa Masa, matapos ireklamo ang dalawang episodes ng programa dahil sa death threats at bastos na pananalita ng host nitong si former President Rodrigo Duterte, na ayon sa MTRCB ay paglabag sa standard ng broadcast content.
Sa inilabas na resolusyon ng MTRCB ngayong Biyernes, January 26, 2024, pinagtibay ng ahensiya ang naunang desisyon na inilabas nila noong December 18, 2023, na nag-uutos sa management na itigil ang live broadcast ng dalawang programa sa loob ng labing-apat na araw.
Mababasa sa resolusyon (published as is), “The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) reaffirmed its decision to suspend the television programs “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” and dismissed the Motions for Reconsideration (MR) filed by SMNI.
“The MTRCB’s initial decision to suspend the two programs stemmed from multiple complaints regarding the alleged use of death threats and profane language by a host on “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” during its October 10, 2023 episode.
“Although initial complaints were dismissed, the MTRCB issued a stern warning to the network that any future similar infractions would be dealt with more severely– which shows the Board’s commitment to fairness and thoroughness.
“More than a month after the MTRCB’s initial dismissal of the case, subsequent complaints were filed against the shows’ episodes.
“On December 13, 2023, following a comprehensive review of the cases and a careful examination of the position papers submitted by the respondents, the MTRCB unanimously decided to impose a preventive suspension of fourteen (14) days on both programs.
“This decision was in alignment with the prior warning issued by the MTRCB and served as a proactive measure aimed at addressing concerns and fostering adherence to prescribed standards upheld by the Board.
“Upon careful review and consideration of the complaints received by the Board, and following hearings conducted, the programs were deemed in violation of established guidelines and standards set by Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations governing broadcasting content.”
Paninindigan ni MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto na nais lamang nilang protektahan ang manonood ng SMNI mula sa mga inappropriate content na umeere sa network.
“Grounded in the principles of due process and fairness, our resolve to enforce accountability in media content regulation is resolute,” saad ni Lala.
Inanunsyo rin ng MTRCB na dahil sa kakulangan ng paliwanag at datos na isinumite sa kanila ng SMNI, karagdagang labing-apat na araw pa ang ipapataw nila sa broadcast network.
Sa kabuuan, dalawampu’t walong (28) araw na, kasama ang unang labing-apat na araw na preventive suspension, na hindi eere ang Laban Kasama ang Bayan at Gikan sa Masa, Para Sa Masa.
Sabi ng MTRCB, “Further, the Board, in exercising its adjudicative authority, found the respondents’ assertions unconvincing and lacking persuasiveness. Consequently, the MTRCB extended the suspension to twenty-eight (28) days, including the initial fourteen-day preventive suspension.
“On January 11, 2024, the respondents submitted MRs. After a meticulous scrutiny of the matters raised in the respective motions, however, the MTRCB concluded that they merely reiterated points already raised in the position papers submitted earlier. As such, the MTRCB has decided to deny both MRs.”
Samantala, bukod sa MTRCB, pinatawan din ng indefinite suspension ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ang SMNI kaugnay sa kinahaharap nilang kasong administratibo.
