NTC makes 30-day SMNI suspension indefinite

The National Telecommunications Commission yesterday ordered the indefinite suspension in the operation of the radio and television stations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the broadcasting arm of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, after the group failed to comply with an earlier 30-day NTC suspension order.

-  BELLA CARIASO

In a six-page order to cease and desist operation obtained by The STAR, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez also directed SMNI to explain why it failed to follow the monthlong suspension the commission issued in December last year.

“Pursuant to Sec. 4, Rule 10, the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure… the Commission hereby directs respondent to cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations under the authorities enumerated in the 19 December 2023 show-cause-order (with 30-day suspension order pending hearing and final consideration of the above-captioned case),” the order stated.

"Respondent is hereby ordered to submit, within a period of 15 days from receipt hereof, its written explanation as to why it failed to strictly follow the 30-day suspension order," it added.

The indefinite suspension order was also signed by Deputy Commissioners John Paulo Salvahan and Alvin Bernardo Blanco.