The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued a preventive suspension order against two programs of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), effective starting December 18.
One of the affected programs is “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” which was suspended due to an unverified report regarding the alleged P1.8 billion travel funds of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The said report is being questioned by the MTRCB due to insufficient evidence and scrutiny before it was aired to the public.
According to the statement from MTRCB, proper reporting of news and information is crucial, especially when it involves public officials. The agency emphasized the need for thorough examination and verification of reports before they are broadcast to the audience to prevent misunderstandings and the spread of misinformation.
The second suspended program is “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa,” which received penalties due to death threats and offensive language used by guests in two of its episodes. According to the MTRCB, responsible language use and proper presentation on television are essential, especially considering the anticipation of a wide audience.
In its statement, the MTRCB insisted that preventive suspension is a step to hold programs accountable for their content and ensure compliance with established rules and regulations. The agency also underscored the importance of freedom of expression but emphasized that it comes with responsibility and should be exercised with caution.
Behind these preventive suspensions, the MTRCB calls for a thorough review from media organizations and producers to maintain the quality and integrity of programs aired on television and to ensure that accurate information is conveyed to the audience.