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Advocates Philippines
Congress, Senate To Probe Allegations Against SMNI, Quiboloy
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Senator Risa Hontiveros Leads Inquiry into Apollo Quiboloy's Leadership; Exploitative Practices Under Scrutiny
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, led by Chairperson Gus Tambunting, endorsed House Resolution No. 1499, with a majority vote and one abstention, urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation, operating as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The resolution alleges violations of the terms and conditions of its franchise under Republic Act No. 11422.
The Committee uncovered violations of Sections 4, 10, and 11 of SMNI's franchise agreement. Furthermore, the network was found to have committed infractions against the Philippine Constitution, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Broadcast Code, and the Revised Corporation Code.
During the inquiry into SMNI's alleged dissemination of fake news, anchor Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz issued a public apology for his unruly behavior in the previous meeting. Celiz, currently detained at the House of Representatives for contempt, expressed remorse and requested release for humanitarian consideration. In his letter, he admitted his lapse in editorial judgment and pledged to avoid errors in information relay.
Present at the meeting were representatives from NTC, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), KBP, National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Commission on Audit (COA), and Movement against Disinformation (MAD). SMNI President Marlon Rosete, alongside other board members and officers, also attended.
In a parallel development, Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to conduct an inquiry into reported cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) under its leader, Apollo Quiboloy.
The resolution highlights alleged exploitative practices by Quiboloy, who purportedly demands strict obedience through brainwashing and threats of eternal damnation. The report includes accusations of maintaining a stable of women known as "pastorals" for specific tasks, some of whom were allegedly minors during recruitment and subjected to sexual exploitation.
Quiboloy is indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in California for "conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion." The resolution emphasizes the urgency of an investigation within the Philippines' jurisdiction, examining whether updated human trafficking laws can cover large-scale and systemic acts within religious organizations.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, led by Chairperson Gus Tambunting, endorsed House Resolution No. 1499, with a majority vote and one abstention, urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation, operating as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The resolution alleges violations of the terms and conditions of its franchise under Republic Act No. 11422.
The Committee uncovered violations of Sections 4, 10, and 11 of SMNI's franchise agreement. Furthermore, the network was found to have committed infractions against the Philippine Constitution, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Broadcast Code, and the Revised Corporation Code.
During the inquiry into SMNI's alleged dissemination of fake news, anchor Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz issued a public apology for his unruly behavior in the previous meeting. Celiz, currently detained at the House of Representatives for contempt, expressed remorse and requested release for humanitarian consideration. In his letter, he admitted his lapse in editorial judgment and pledged to avoid errors in information relay.
Present at the meeting were representatives from NTC, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), KBP, National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Commission on Audit (COA), and Movement against Disinformation (MAD). SMNI President Marlon Rosete, alongside other board members and officers, also attended.
In a parallel development, Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to conduct an inquiry into reported cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) under its leader, Apollo Quiboloy.
The resolution highlights alleged exploitative practices by Quiboloy, who purportedly demands strict obedience through brainwashing and threats of eternal damnation. The report includes accusations of maintaining a stable of women known as "pastorals" for specific tasks, some of whom were allegedly minors during recruitment and subjected to sexual exploitation.
Quiboloy is indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in California for "conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion." The resolution emphasizes the urgency of an investigation within the Philippines' jurisdiction, examining whether updated human trafficking laws can cover large-scale and systemic acts within religious organizations.
Dec 12, 2023
