Press Statement
December 22, 2023

SMNI deserves to be sanctioned for systematic disinformation and other violations of its franchise

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan welcomes the sanctions imposed by the MTRCB and NTC on the SMNI network, considering the network’s glaring violations of accepted media standards and ethics and clear failure to fulfill its duties and obligations under its franchise.

In the first place, SMNI is not a legitimate media outlet but a propaganda platform for Apollo Quiboloy’s dubious religious and political machinations. Under the Duterte administration, it transformed into the main channel for red tagging, terrorist labeling, disinformation, outright lies and defamation against government critics, activists, members of the press, the opposition, and virtually anyone critical of Duterte and his murderous fascist regime. It has become a purveyor of fascist ideology and a genuine threat to human rights.

May be a graphic of ‎4 people and ‎text that says "‎SMN NEWS CHAN ءL SMNI deserves to be sanctioned for systematic disinformation and other violations of its franchise BAYAN‎"‎‎

(Photo from CNN Philippines website)

We urge the authorities to look deeper into the wrongdoings of SMNI, including its questionable ownership structure, financial statements, dealings with foreign entities including China’s state media, and possible role in Quiboloy’s criminal activities for which he has been charged in other jurisdictions.

Wary as we are of the propensity of tyrannical regimes to stifle press freedom and free expression, the reality is that the power to check and put a stop to SMNI’s violations of its franchise falls on Congress as well as MTRCB and NTC. They should exercise this power properly to avoid whatever chilling effect these might have on legitimate media outlets. #

Categories: Statements

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