The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) on Tuesday placed Sonshine Media Network International, (SMNI) under an indefinite suspension order for defying an earlier 30-day suspension order issued in December.
In a statement, the NTC directed SMNI to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations pending the hearing and final consideration of the administrative case before the Commission.
The order is consistent with Section 4, Rule 10 of The 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure of the NTC that allows it motu proprio to issue a cease-and-desist order against any respondent pending the hearing and final consideration to protect the interest and welfare of the public.
The NTC previously issued a 30-day suspension order against Swara Sug Media Corp., the network’s legal name, effective upon its receipt on 21 December 2023.
Notwithstanding receipt of the suspension order, SMNI continued to operate in certain areas of Region VI as late as 27 December 2023, the NTC said.
At the network’s administrative hearing last 4 January 2024, SMNI was allowed extended time to file its answer until 15 January this year.
Instead of filing an answer, on January 11, SMNI filed a motion for bill of particulars that the Commission denied on 16 January 2024.
The NTC order also noted that Swara Sug moved to inhibit all three sitting commissioners from proceeding with the case instead of directly addressing the allegations against it.
The NTC already denied the motion to inhibit in a separate order dated 17 January 2024 due to lack of merit.
The NTC now directs Swara Sug to explain in writing within 15 days from receipt of the Order dated 18 January 2024 why it failed to strictly comply with the 30-day suspension order.
The agency also directed the network to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations pending the hearing and final consideration of its administrative case.
