SENATOR Francis Tolentino warns the Movies and Television Regulatory Board (MTRCB) about violations of freedom of the press.
During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, Tolentino was asked about the suspension of two SMNI programs.
And according to the veteran lawmaker, press freedom holds a higher position in the hierarchy of laws globally.
“If you transgress ‘Freedom of the press implicate higher rights.”
“Freedom of the press occupies a higher position…. Authoritarian government,” according to Sen. Francis Tolentino.
To recall, the MTRCB recently suspended the program “LABAN KASAMA ANG BAYAN or Fight together with the Nation”.
The MTRCB also suspended GIKAN SA MASA PARA SA MASA or From the Masses, For the Masses, a program hosted by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte
These two programs were suspended in response to complaints received by their office.
But the MTRCB’s suspension of the programs garnered negative reactions from netizens.
The two SMNI programs in question are known for criticizing the local communist terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF.
Several senators have expressed support for SMNI and press freedom. Senator Bato Dela Rosa stated that SMNI is the only TV network in the country that fearlessly opposes the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front or CPP-NPA-NDF.
“I am strongly supporting SMNI … Where SMNI is, I am also there,” Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa stated.
Senator JV Ejercito also voiced support for SMNI in the name of press freedom.
Even Senator Chiz Escudero spoke on the matter, saying he can’t blame anyone for thinking that the government is conspiring against SMNI.
Senator Escudero had previously expressed support for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC due to the positive impact of its programs on communities against insurgency.
