NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
SMNI Hosts Released From Detention
Photo credit: Atty. Mark Tolentino
SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz have been freed from detention at the House of Representatives following a unanimous decision by the Committee on Legislative Franchises, citing "humanitarian reasons."
Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, committee chair, announced the decision after a convened meeting, emphasizing the humanitarian considerations behind the release.
Both Badoy and Celiz expressed remorse during discussions with Tambunting, with Celiz sending a letter to the committee apologizing for their actions and disclosing his source in the Senate.
If required, the duo may be summoned for future committee hearings. Tambunting confirmed sharing the source's information with Senate President Migz Zubiri, leaving it in the Senate's hands to investigate.
Simultaneously, a proposal to revoke the legislative franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation, also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), has been formally submitted to the House. The proposal, embodied in House Bill 9710 by 1-Rider PL Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, cites several violations by the media network, including alleged dissemination of "fake news," "red-tagging," and failure to comply with congressional reporting requirements.
Gutierrez emphasized that the network's "misinformation and misinterpretation" could have serious implications, fostering social and political divides within the public sphere.
Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, committee chair, announced the decision after a convened meeting, emphasizing the humanitarian considerations behind the release.
Both Badoy and Celiz expressed remorse during discussions with Tambunting, with Celiz sending a letter to the committee apologizing for their actions and disclosing his source in the Senate.
If required, the duo may be summoned for future committee hearings. Tambunting confirmed sharing the source's information with Senate President Migz Zubiri, leaving it in the Senate's hands to investigate.
Simultaneously, a proposal to revoke the legislative franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation, also known as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), has been formally submitted to the House. The proposal, embodied in House Bill 9710 by 1-Rider PL Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, cites several violations by the media network, including alleged dissemination of "fake news," "red-tagging," and failure to comply with congressional reporting requirements.
Gutierrez emphasized that the network's "misinformation and misinterpretation" could have serious implications, fostering social and political divides within the public sphere.
Dec 13, 2023
