House passes bill revoking SMNI franchise on 2nd reading

MANILA – A measure seeking to revoke the legislative franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), hurdled second reading at the House of Representatives.

During Wednesday's plenary session, the chamber passed via viva voce House Bill 9710, repealing Republic Act No. 11422 or the law granting Swara Sug's 25-year franchise.

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, the author of the bill, said SMNI has committed several franchise violations, which should not be "countenanced".

Gutierrez said the network violated Section 4 of its franchise grant on its responsibility to the public for its failure to deliver truthful and balanced reporting to its audience.

He said SMNI also violated Section 7 on self-regulation about the numerous allegations, indictments, and findings surrounding SMNI's involvement in red-tagging and fake news peddling.

"Knowing further that misinformation and misrepresentation can have serious implications, most especially in shaping public opinion, and thus create a potential social and political divide, the operation of Swara Sug or SMNI is considered a threat to national security and stability as it continues to use its platform to disseminate unverified and untruthful statements, the swift passage of this measure is earnestly sought," Gutierrez said.

He further claimed the network breached Section 10 on the provisions for sale, lease, and transfer of ownership, as well as Section 11 on the dispersal of ownership requirement.

"Sections 10 and 11 carry with them ipso facto provisions for their revocation," he said. (PNA)