THE order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) suspending the operations of SMNI for 30 days pending investigation by it for certain alleged violations of its franchise is patently unconstitutional for having been issued without due process being given to SMNI.
More importantly, it is a brazen assault on the freedom of the press and creates a chilling effect to all other broadcasting networks
The suspension seals the lips of SMNI to perform its function to disseminate information and news to the public. It transgresses the rights of the program hosts and anchors to express themselves in their chosen platform. It likewise curtails the right of the people to information on their preferred communication network.
The NTC has even violated its own created implementing rules and regulations in that the suspension order was made without the required consequent “serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public and private interests” should it not issue the cease operations order.
It is a blatant abuse of regulatory power that is outrageously abhorrent and constitutionally obnoxious and impermissible.
