FORMER President Rodrigo R. Duterte clarified that he wants to have a conversation with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. regarding the investigation into Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), which operates under the franchise granted by Congress to Swara Sug Media Corporation.
This was announced by Duterte during a press conference with members of the media in Davao last Saturday.
The former president emphasized that what he wants is not a confrontation but a desire to speak indirectly with President Marcos about the SMNI probe.
Duterte also mentioned that he was not urged by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy to do so, instead, he wants to help as his program, “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” has been affected.
“Because my ‘Gikan sa Masa’ was affected. I include myself because that is important to me [the program]. I do not want to confront the President, but I’d like to talk to him indirectly about why this is happening. As far as I am concerned, I have not crucified him, not even criticized him severely, maybe commented on the directions that the government is proceeding,” according to Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Republic of the Philippines/ Courtesy: Dennis R. Lazo.
Duterte expressed his disagreement with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) because he believes that the agency did not find any anomalies in SMNI.
“Honestly, the NTC hasn’t found anything. They have not come up with any allegations or charges of any wrongdoing.”
“I haven’t seen any correct procedures being followed. I haven’t seen any proper procedures being adhered to,” added Former President Duterte/Courtesy: Dennis R. Lazo.
The former President mentioned that he might release an official statement on this issue in the coming days.
“One of these days, perhaps I will come up with a statement, not necessarily defending Pastor Quiboloy, but just to say something about the way things are,” added Former President Duterte/Courtesy: Dennis R. Lazo.
Following Duterte’s remarks, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the Malacañang is open to dialogue with former President Duterte.
“President Marcos is always available to former President Duterte. The President will contact him now to ask if he wants a meeting,” Sec. Cheloy Garafil, Presidential Communications Office stated.
It is worth noting that the NTC imposed a thirty-day suspension on SMNI due to allegations of violations of its franchise’s terms and conditions.
