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Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), also known by its legal name Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC),[1] is a Philippine broadcast media arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) led by the Filipino televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.[2] Based in Davao City and Makati, it operates a network of radio and television broadcasting stations.

Key Information

It currently owns and operates a sister channel (SMNI News Channel), the broadcasting network is available over terrestrial broadcast in the Philippines (until December 2023), and on cable, satellite, and online streaming worldwide.[3] The network now owns and operates two television networks, where the main flagship station, based in Davao City, maintains an uninterrupted 24-hour service through regular repetition of a dozen self-produced Kingdom Programs in English, Filipino, and dozens of foreign languages along with news, public affairs, public service, infotainment, sports and entertainment programs. On the other hand, the network's sister channel SMNI News Channel, based in Makati, primarily provides rolling news coverage and public affairs programs, which broadcasts exclusively in Digital TV format in Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Benguet and Cagayan de Oro (until December 2023). It also maintained a network of radio stations under the "Sonshine Radio" brand of the Swara Sug Media Corporation. SMNI also has print publications such as Guide Magazine, Pinas Newspaper and Sikat Newspaper.[4]

The broadcasting network was licensed in late 2003 by the Philippine government to operate seven analog free-to-air television channels in key cities across the country. It also has two digital terrestrial channels in Metro Manila and Metro Davao.[5]

SMNI has been the object of various criticisms, particularly centering on right-wing populist bias and handling its own coverage through forms of disinformation.

History

[edit]

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ's Media Ministry, known today as SMNI, began on the radio with the program "Pagsusi sa Kamatuoran" (Searching for Truth/Paghahanap ng Katotohanan) on radio stations DXDC and DXUM. The television ministry began in 1991, when they launched their first television program, "The Hour of Truth" aired nationally on IBC and ABS-CBN stations in the Visayas and Mindanao, followed by "Powerline" in 1995.

On 1 July 2000, The Kingdom of Jesus Christ officially launched its 24-hour cable network, "The Q Channel" (then also known as "ACQ–TV, Q Channel", not to be confused with defunct Philippine TV network QTV), bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom from Davao City to key cities around the Philippines, which was carried by Sky Cable in Davao City, General Santos, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Tagum, and Baguio.

On 25 April 2003, The Q Channel became the "ACQ–Kingdom Broadcasting Network" (ACQ-KBN), with an expanded reach across the Asia-Pacific region and the United States via satellite, using its own satellite uplink Broadcast station located at Davao Central, also carrying the new slogan "Delivering the Good news 24 hours a day, 7 days a week".[6] In conjunction with this, the network launched its first free TV station, Sonshine TV-43 Davao, and introduced new religious programs such as Give Us This Day, Sounds of Worship, Batang Kaharian (lit. Kingdom Child), Way Ahead, Highest Praise, Quiet Moments, and many more.

In 2004, ACQ-KBN signed an agreement with GlobeCast World TV, which aims to expand its broadcast footprint around the world. In the same year also that KJC through ACQ-KBN launched its own radio station in Davao City as "DXAQ Kingdom Radio 1404 AM".

In March 2005, KJC and ACQ-KBN acquired the congressional franchise, ownership and management of the Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC). at the same day, ACQ-KBN and SSMC acquired all the NBC Angel Radyo AM stations from Nation Broadcasting Corporation, which in turn, operated as the "Sonshine Radio" network.

On 6 November 2005, DWAQ-TV Channel 39 signed on the air and began its test broadcast as "ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 Metro Manila". On 8 January 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV 39 was launched during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, which held at the PhilSports Arena, the network ventured from Cable TV broadcasting to Free-to-Air TV broadcasting, and broadcasts with the transmitter power of 60 kilowatts.[7]

On 5 June 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV launched "Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)" as News and Public Affairs block which became a tie-up of ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 in Metro Manila and ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-43 in Davao, with the original slogan "Service First, Right Here, Right Now, Worldwide".

On 30 July 2006, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV is now on Nationwide with more than 500 cable TV operators across the Philippines.

On 4 January 2009, ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-37 in Santiago, Isabela officially signed on as the network's third TV station during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Buenavista Barangay Hall in Santiago, Isabela. A few months later on 10 May 2009, The ACQ-KBN Sonshine TV-39 Butuan was also launched after the first global thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Luciana Convention Center in Butuan.

In August 2010, a merger took place between ACQ-KBN and Sonshine TV, as the two programming blocks had been consolidated. As a result, the ACQ-KBN branding ceased to exist, and officially relaunched under the newly rebranded "SMNI". Coinciding with this, the network unveiled its new slogan "Alternative media, Alternative power, it Sustains Life" (first slogan) and "Informs, Delivers, Transforms" (second slogan), along with its new station ID.

In January 2011, SMNI adopted another new slogan, "Where Everything is Possible", also with its new station ID.

On 24 May 2016, SMNI launched its own News and Public affairs channel as SMNI News Channel and it is exclusively aired over Digital Terrestrial Television on UHF Channel 40 in Metro Manila until 31 December 2022 (move to UHF Channel 43 starting 1 January 2023) and its internet Live streaming.

On 31 August 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11422 which renewed Swara Sug Media Corporation license for another 25 years. The law grants SSMC a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes, radio broadcasting stations and television stations, including digital television system, with the corresponding facilities such as relay stations, throughout the Philippines.[8][9]

On 26 January 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission assigned the network's television frequency on channel 43 which was formerly used by Mareco Broadcasting Network as a TV carry-over station of 105.1 Crossover from 1994 to 2000 and AMCARA Broadcasting Network for ABS-CBN's DTT broadcast on ABS-CBN TV Plus from 2013 to 2020.[10] On 1 January 2023, SMNI began to transmit its digital test broadcast on UHF Channel 43 (647.143 MHz) as its permanent frequency assigned by NTC.

On 19 February 2023, SMNI DTT Channel 43 officially signed on during the first Global Thanksgiving and Worship presentation at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal. The network covered in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Channel 43 will be used as the main channel of SMNI on DTT, while retaining the use of Channel 39 as a secondary channel after transitioning from analog to digital signal.[11][12]

Programming

[edit]
Main articles: List of Sonshine Media Network International original programming and SMNI News Channel § Programming

Domestic stations

[edit]

TV stations

[edit]
  • Offline as of December 2023 due to NTC's shutdown order

Final analog TV nationwide

[edit]
Branding Callsign Ch. # Power (kW) Station type Location (transmitter site)
SMNI TV-43 Davao DXAQ-TV TV-43 50 kW Originating Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City
SMNI TV-35 Laoag DWSB-TV TV-35 5 kW Relay Laoag
SMNI TV-38 Vigan DWSP-TV TV-38 5 kW Relay Vigan
SMNI TV-37 Isabela DWSA-TV TV-37 2 kW Relay Santiago, Isabela
SMNI TV-39 Roxas DYSW-TV TV-39 1 kW Relay Roxas City, Capiz
SMNI TV-39 Butuan DXSW-TV TV-39 5 kW Relay Butuan

Final digital broadcast stations

[edit]
Terrestrial Callsign Ch. # Frequency Power Area of Coverage
Digital DWAQ-DTV 39 (Digital Test Broadcast) 623.143 MHz 10 kW Metro Manila
43 (Digital Test Broadcast) 647.143 MHz
44 (Digital Test Broadcast) 653.143 MHz 5.5 kW
Digital DXAQ-TV 19 (Digital Test Broadcast) 503.143 MHz 5 kW Davao

SMNI on Pay television

[edit]
Cable Provider Ch. # Coverage
Cablelink 95 Metro Manila
Destiny Cable 162 on Digital
Sky Cable 162 on Digital Metro Manila
Batangas
Bulacan
59 Metro Baguio
Mountainview Satellite Corporation 90
Prime Cable Network 39 Sagada
Sky Cable 10 Metro Laoag
Sunshine CATV 73
Vigan Satellite Cable TV 73 Vigan
Eaglevision Cable 64
Pangasinan Educational Cable TV 35 Alaminos
USATV 58 Dagupan
Sky Cable 95
Genmar Cable Communications 44 Rosales
Eaglevision Cable 64 Binalonan
RBC Cable Master System 90 Tuguegarao
Clearview Cable TV System 78
Regal Cable TV Network 52 Santiago
New City Cable System 84
Cablelink 95 Santa Maria
Angeles City Cable Television Network 84 Angeles, Pampanga
Multi-Network Cable Company 50 Cabanatuan
Prime Cable Network 66
Muñoz Satellite TV System, Inc. 97 Muñoz
Home Choice Cable TV 90
Eaglevision Cable 64 Moncada
Sky Cable 162 Cavite City
Suburban Cable Network 105
Cablelink 95 Bacoor
Dasca Cable 113 Dasmariñas
Community Cable TV 78 Los Baños
Royal Cable 35 Santa Rosa
Sky Cable 162
Puerto Princesa CATV 18 Puerto Princesa
Prime Cable Network 80
Charles Cable TV System 11 Cataingan
Prime Cable Network 76
Charles Cable TV System 13 Masbate
Masbate Cable, Inc. 90
DCTV Cable Network 114 Legazpi
ESTV Cable Network 87
Caceres Cable TV 65 Metro Naga
DCTV Cable Network 114
Sorsogon
HLTV Cable Network 108
Aklan Cable TV Network 45 Kalibo
Kalibo Cable TV Network 100
Filvision Alto Cable 42 Roxas
Wesfardell Cable Service 89
Sky Cable 50 Metro Iloilo
Cable Star Inc. 64
Sky Cable 51 Metro Bacolod
New Bacolod Cable 132
Sky Cable Cebu 37 Metro Cebu
Misamis Cable TV Network 76
Cine Cebu Television Network 99 Lapu-Lapu
Sky Cable 64 Metro Dumaguete
Fil-Products Cable Company 76
62 Tacloban
Leyte Cable TV Network 14
Fil-Products Cable Company 81 Calbayog
Calbayog CATV 95
Sky Cable Zamboanga 49 Zamboanga City
Prime Cable Network 37 Sindangan
Misamis Cable TV Network 69 Ozamiz
Fil-Products Cable Company 90
Parasat Cable TV 18 Cagayan de Oro
Jade Cable TV 37
Sky Cable 51 Cotabato
Cotabato Cable TV Network 57
Sky Cable 37 General Santos
Lakandula Cable TV Network 97
Sky Cable 29 Polomolok
JVL Star Cable 97
Trinity Cable TV Network 47 Pantukan
Sky Cable 14 Tagum
14 and 46 Davao Central
Davao Cableworld Network 97
Fil Products Cable Company 97 Butuan
Z-Energy CATV 49
Buenavista
Kitcharao
83 Medina
08 Alegria
78 Placer
69 Salay
Talisayan
Cignal 186 Nationwide
GSat Direct TV 40

*And 500 Cable TV Operators in the Philippines.

Former Radio stations

[edit]
Sonshine Radio
TypeBroadcast AM Radio Network
BrandingSonshine Radio
Country
Philippines
AvailabilityDefunct
FoundedJanuary 29, 2005; 20 years ago (2005-01-29)
ParentSwara Sug Media Corporation
Key people
Admar R. Vilando (Station Manager)
Launch date
January 29, 2005 (2005-01-29)
DissolvedDecember 21, 2023; 22 months ago (2023-12-21)
Branding Callsign Frequency Power (kW) Location
Sonshine Radio Davao DXRD 711 kHz 10 kW Davao
Sonshine Radio Manila DZAR 1026 kHz 50 kW Metro Manila
Sonshine Radio Dagupan DZRD 981 kHz 10 kW Dagupan
Sonshine Radio Tuguegarao DZYT 765 kHz 5 kW Tuguegarao
Sonshine Radio Santiago DWSI 864 kHz 5 kW Santiago
Sonshine Radio Cabanatuan DWAY 1332 kHz 5 kW Cabanatuan
Sonshine Radio Cebu DYAR 765 kHz 10 kW Cebu
Sonshine Radio Cagayan de Oro DXCL 1098 kHz 10 kW Cagayan de Oro

Former stations

[edit]
Branding Callsign Frequency Power (kW) Location
Sonshine Radio Laoag DWAR 819 kHz 5 kW Laoag
Sonshine Radio Ilagan DZYI 711 kHz 5 kW Cauayan/Ilagan
Sonshine Radio San Pablo DZSP 864 kHz 5 kW San Pablo
Sonshine Radio Zamboanga DXYZ 963 kHz 5 kW Zamboanga
Sonshine Radio Davao Central (Kingdom Radio) DXAQ 1404 kHz 5 kW Davao Central
Sonshine Radio General Santos DXRE 837 kHz 5 kW General Santos
Sonshine Radio Cotabato DXRO 945 kHz 5 kW Cotabato
Sonshine Radio Butuan DXRB 873 kHz 5 kW Butuan
Sonshine Radio Bislig DXBL 801 kHz 5 kW Bislig

Partnership talks with CGTN

[edit]
This section is an excerpt from SMNI News Channel § Partnership talks with CGTN.[edit]
During former President Rodrigo Duterte's meeting with General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping in July 2023, SMNI personnel, along with Quiboloy, met with Chinese state media China Global Television Network (CGTN) executives to discuss a partnership for efficient information dissemination.[13][14]

Controversies

[edit]

Alleged bias and far-right content

[edit]

SMNI has been a subject of many criticisms and allegations from independent media watchdogs, particularly on misinformation, false accusation, and right-wing[15][16] bias while maintaining its editorial control.[17][18] Media institutions and sectoral rights groups have accused SMNI of spreading misinformation and fake news while at the same time attacking critics of the Duterte administration and several media outlets in the form of "red-tagging".[19]

Termination of YouTube channel and Facebook page

[edit]

On 7 July 2023, YouTube terminated the channels of SMNI and one of its programs, Laban Kasama ang Bayan (transl. Fight with the People), along with KJC, following a previous ban on Quiboloy's YouTube channel which was terminated on 21 June. Google later stated that their actions were in compliance with existing sanctions by the United States against Quiboloy pursuant to the US Global Magnitsky Act and harmful misinformation regarding red-tagging; Quiboloy was previously indicted by the United States Department of Justice on charges of human trafficking and child sexual abuse.[20][21]

Quiboloy and SMNI later created accounts on the alt-tech video service Rumble[22] as well as an alternate account for SMNI on YouTube in defiance of sanctions.[23] The alternate account was suspended by YouTube a few days later.[24] On 15 September 2023, the SMNI News' Facebook page was deleted, in accordance to Meta's Dangerous Organizations and Individuals Policy.[25] Despite these, SMNI continues to evade from ban by creating and launching multiple pages under different names.[citation needed] On 19 March 2025, Meta took down three Facebook pages affiliated with SMNI, including from DZAR 1026 citing "expressing hatred or contempt for a group of people and using harmful racial stereotypes" that violated Meta's community standards.[26] As of now, several Facebook pages of SMNI News programs remain active.

House franchise probe

[edit]

On 28 November 2023, the Philippine House Committee on Legislative Franchises launched an investigation on SMNI, following a report claimed by Laban Kasama ang Bayan co-host Jeffrey Celiz about travel expenses allocated to House Speaker Martin Romualdez where he spent ₱1.8 billion. Quezon 2nd District Representative David Suarez called the report "fake news".[27] The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) also flagged SMNI, Celiz and co-host Lorraine Badoy for violating its Code of Ethics even when they were unaccredited broadcasters.[28][29]

SMNI faced legal scrutiny following the investigation, including the revocation of its congressional franchise. PBA Partylist Representative Margarita Nograles filed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the broadcast operations of SMNI for allegedly violating its franchise's terms and conditions.[30][31]

Suspension of operations

[edit]

On 21 December 2023, the NTC, in response to the House resolution, announced that it had issued two days earlier a 30-day suspension order on the broadcast operations of SMNI for alleged violations of its franchise, as well as a show cause order against the media network, giving them 15 days from receipt of the order to provide explanation on why it should not be administratively sanctioned.[32][33]

SMNI later filed motions, urging three NTC officials to inhibit from its administrative case due to perceived bias,[34] and asking the NTC to specify and detail their violations;[35] the latter request was denied. On 22 January 2024, the suspension was made indefinite by the NTC citing the network's failure to comply with an earlier order.[36][37]

At the time of issuance of the first order, the network had 13 radio stations (10 in AM, three in FM), 14 television stations, and 22 digital terrestrial television stations.[38]

Franchise revocation attempt

[edit]

On 12 March 2024, the Philippine House Committee on Legislative Franchises, headed by the committee chair Gustavo Tambunting, approved House Bill No. 9710 (filed by 1-Rider Partylist Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez) without amendments. The bill seeks to abrogate the franchise given to Sonshine Media Network International for several violations found by lawmakers.[39] Eight days later, the Committee approved the bill on third and final reading; the bill is waiting for Senate approval. If signed into law by President Bongbong Marcos, it will repeal Republic Act No. 11422, which extended the franchise granted to Swara Sug under RA 8122.[40]

Relationship with other media outlets

[edit]

In November 2019, one of his daily comedic discussions following a performance by Gian Magdangal on Tawag ng Tanghalan: Celebrity Champions, Vice Ganda made a joke after the founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, Apollo Quiboloy, among other claims of being responsible for stopping calamities, claimed that he was responsible for stopping the 2019 Cotabato earthquakes. Vice Ganda jokingly challenged Quiboloy to stop the airing of It's Showtime, which is one of the longest-running ABS-CBN television programs alongside FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, and the constant traffic on EDSA, a major road network in Metro Manila. Members of Quiboloy's church took offense and expressed their dismay for Vice Ganda.[41] Radio broadcaster and SMNI anchor, Mike Abe, a friend of Quiboloy, defended the founder and criticized Vice heavily in his program.[42] Two days after the joke, Quiboloy instead threatened that he will not only stop FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, but also to shutdown ABS-CBN as a whole within four months. The network went off-air in 2020 in a controversial franchise denial by the legislature,[43][44] an act that was seen by Quiboloy and his followers as the fulfillment of his previous remarks against the comedian.[45]

During the airing of SMNI's Laban Kasama ang Bayan, its hosts Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz and Lorraine Badoy have accused journalists, including Atom Araullo[46] and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa,[47] and media outlets, such as Bulatlat,[48] of being part of the CPP-NPA-NDF. In December 2024, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court ordered Celiz and Badoy to pay Araullo ₱2.08 million (US$42,233.5) in damage.[49]

Libel lawsuit

[edit]

On 14 May 2024, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed defamation and cyberlibel complaint affidavits with the Quezon City Prosecutors's Office against host Guillermina Barrido and several other SMNI hosts and executives following an interview where Barrido spoke of alleged false accusations that Trillanes persuaded and paid her to be a fake witness against then-President Rodrigo Duterte.[50][51]

Freeze order by the Court of Appeals

[edit]
See also: Asset freezing and Court of Appeals of the Philippines

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sonshine Media Network International

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) is a Philippine-based broadcasting network owned and operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), functioning as the media arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious organization founded by televangelist Apollo C. Quiboloy in 1985. Established in the late as part of Quiboloy's evangelistic efforts, SMNI delivers content across television, radio stations, digital channels, and online platforms, emphasizing news, public affairs, religious programming, and international via . The network expanded significantly after acquiring SSMC's congressional franchise in , enabling operations in multiple Philippine cities and a focus on "truth and positive impact" as stated in its mission. SMNI has positioned itself as an alternative voice in Philippine media, often aligning with conservative and pro-Duterte perspectives, which has contributed to its influence among certain audiences but also drawn regulatory attention. SMNI's defining characteristics include its integration with Quiboloy's ministry, promoting his teachings as the "Appointed Son of God," alongside news coverage that critics from mainstream outlets have labeled as propagandistic. Notable controversies encompass accusations of disseminating false information and red-tagging activists, leading to a 2023 House committee suspension of operations and a 2024 bill passed by the House to revoke SSMC's franchise for alleged willful violations. In 2025, Meta suspended SMNI's Facebook pages for content deemed to express hatred or contempt, reflecting ongoing tensions with platform policies and human rights groups. These challenges occur against a backdrop where Philippine mainstream media, often critical of Duterte-aligned entities, have initiated much of the scrutiny, raising questions about political motivations in franchise disputes.

History

Founding and Early Development (1980s–2000s)

The media arm that evolved into Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) emerged from the evangelistic initiatives of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a Restorationist church established by Filipino pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on September 1, 1985, in , . Quiboloy, who positioned himself as the church's executive pastor and self-proclaimed "Appointed ," initiated broadcasting to disseminate doctrines centered on personal salvation and end-times prophecy, beginning with radio programs in the late 1980s under the ACQ Broadcasting Network banner. These early radio efforts, such as "Pagsusi sa Kamatuoran" (Searching for Truth), targeted local audiences in to promote KOJC teachings amid the church's rapid membership growth from dozens to thousands by the early 1990s. Television expansion commenced in 1991 with the launch of "The Hour of Truth," a program hosted by Quiboloy that aired through blocktime agreements on national networks including IBC-13 and , reaching urban centers across the . This marked the shift from audio-only to visual , utilizing pre-recorded sermons and live preaching segments to emphasize Quiboloy's interpretations of biblical , with broadcasts initially to one-hour slots but expanding to multiple cities by the mid-1990s. The ACQ Worldwide Broadcast Ministries, rebranded from the original network around 1992, facilitated this growth by producing content focused on , prosperity elements, and anti-communist messaging aligned with KOJC's stance against leftist insurgencies in the . By the late 1990s, the network acquired its first dedicated UHF station, DWAQ-TV Channel 39 in Manila, operational from 1998, which served as a testing ground for full-time programming under names like Net39 and ETV-39 before consolidating under Sonshine branding. This period saw investment in production facilities in Davao City, enabling syndicated reruns of "The Hour of Truth" and new shows like "Power Line," with annual airtime exceeding 1,000 hours by 2000 through a mix of owned and leased frequencies. Early development emphasized self-funding via church tithes and donations, avoiding commercial advertising to maintain doctrinal purity, though reliance on blocktime constrained reach until infrastructure buildup in the early 2000s paved the way for nationwide satellite uplinks.

Expansion into Nationwide Broadcasting (2010s)

In the 2010s, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) broadened its broadcast reach across the by establishing partnerships with operators, facilitating distribution to diverse regional audiences beyond its core operations in . This strategy complemented its existing free-to-air UHF stations, licensed in 2003 for key urban areas, and supported the network's emphasis on religious and public affairs content amid growing demand for voices. The expansion aligned with SMNI's self-described status as the fastest-growing broadcast entity in the country during this period, leveraging affiliations to extend evangelical programming nationwide without substantial new terrestrial infrastructure investments. By mid-decade, these efforts included the introduction of dedicated news and blocks, enhancing SMNI's visibility in national discourse on faith-based and socio-political issues. Cable integrations enabled consistent programming delivery to households in remote provinces, where terrestrial signals were limited, thereby amplifying the influence of founder Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ ministry through media evangelism. This phase marked a shift from localized origins to broader penetration, though reliant on third-party carriage rather than owned-and-operated dominance.

Recent Operational Challenges (2020s)

In late 2023, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) encountered significant regulatory scrutiny from Philippine authorities amid allegations of biased broadcasting and violations of its legislative franchise. On December 6, 2023, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises adopted a resolution urging the (NTC) to suspend SMNI's operations, citing repeated instances of one-sided reporting that favored certain political figures and denigrated public officials. This followed earlier actions by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which on November 29, 2023, suspended two SMNI programs—"Laban Kasama ang Bayan" and "Sonshine News"—for 14 days due to content deemed violative of broadcasting standards, including baseless attacks on government officials. The NTC responded decisively, issuing a 30-day suspension order on December 19, 2023, halting all SMNI radio and television operations nationwide pending investigation into franchise compliance. SMNI's failure to fully adhere to this directive prompted the NTC to extend the suspension indefinitely on January 18, 2024, emphasizing the network's continued airing of prohibited content and non-submission of required compliance reports. In response, SMNI filed a petition with the on January 31, 2024, seeking to nullify the NTC orders and arguing procedural irregularities, though no final resolution had been issued as of late 2024. Legislative efforts intensified in early 2024, with the approving House Bill No. 9710 on March 20, 2024, by a vote of 284-4-4, seeking to revoke SMNI's franchise granted under Republic Act No. 11475 for persistent violations, including unauthorized foreign control allegations and failure to ensure balanced reporting. However, the bill requires concurrence and presidential approval to take effect, leaving SMNI's legal status in limbo. These actions were compounded by the September 8, 2024, of SMNI founder and overseer on charges of qualified and , which triggered a Court of Appeals order in August 2024 to freeze assets linked to his Kingdom of Jesus Christ organization, including SMNI-related entities, potentially disrupting funding and operations. SMNI employees and affiliates publicly contested the suspensions as politically motivated, asserting they targeted the network's .

Ownership and Organizational Structure

Affiliation with Kingdom of Jesus Christ

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) operates as the primary broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a nontrinitarian Restorationist church founded by Apollo C. Quiboloy on September 1, 1985, in Davao City, Philippines. The network's origins trace to KOJC's early media efforts, evolving into a formal entity announced by the church in 2006 as its main communication platform for disseminating evangelistic messages and doctrinal teachings centered on Quiboloy's self-proclaimed role as the "Appointed Son of God." Legally structured under Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), SMNI maintains operational and content alignment with KOJC, featuring programs that promote church activities, humanitarian initiatives, and Quiboloy's sermons across television, radio, and digital platforms. This affiliation enables KOJC to extend its reach nationwide and internationally, with SMNI's infrastructure supporting global satellite distribution tied to church-led events like annual gatherings. SMNI's representatives have denied direct ownership by Quiboloy personally, asserting SSMC's independent corporate status, though church oversight persists in programming and . The entanglement has faced regulatory scrutiny, including a 2024 Court of Appeals order freezing KOJC and SSMC assets over alleged syndicated estafa and graft, underscoring financial and operational interconnections between the church and its media entity. Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC) serves as the legal entity owning and operating Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), functioning as its business name for broadcast activities in the Philippines. SSMC holds the corporate registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), originally established as a media corporation to manage television, radio, and digital platforms affiliated with religious programming. The corporation received its legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 7306 in 1992, which was renewed for another 25 years via Republic Act No. 11422 signed on April 11, 2019, authorizing nationwide radio and television operations. However, on March 20, 2024, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 9710 on third reading with a vote of 284-4-4, revoking SSMC's franchise for alleged violations including unauthorized corporate structure changes and failure to report ownership transfers to the SEC. Leadership of SSMC and SMNI traces back to Apollo C. Quiboloy, founder of SMNI and self-described executive pastor of the affiliated Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, who holds the position of honorary chairman. Quiboloy established the network in the 1980s as a broadcasting arm to disseminate religious content, though SMNI representatives, including legal counsel, have maintained that he does not hold direct ownership or operational control. Current operational leadership includes Dr. Marlon Rosete as president and CEO, responsible for day-to-day management and public representations, such as delivering addresses on the network's founding principles. Ownership structure has faced scrutiny, with lawmakers asserting Quiboloy as the ultimate beneficial owner despite formal denials, citing unreported transfers of controlling stakes—such as to Marlon Acobo, a Kingdom of Jesus Christ executive pastor, in 2023—without SEC notification, potentially constituting fraud under corporate laws. These changes prompted calls for SEC termination of SSMC's registration and contributed to the National Telecommunications Commission's January 23, 2024, cease-and-desist order against SMNI's operations pending resolution of franchise disputes. As of October 2025, SSMC's franchise remains pending full legislative and executive finalization, with ongoing legal challenges highlighting tensions between corporate and regulatory oversight in Philippine .

Funding and Financial Operations

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), legally operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), relies on financial resources channeled through its affiliation with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), a founded by . As the designated media ministry of the KJC, SMNI's operations are supported by church-generated revenues, primarily from member tithes, offerings, and donations. Detailed public or audited revenue figures for SSMC or SMNI are not readily available, reflecting limited transparency in its fiscal reporting. SMNI's financial operations have faced significant disruptions due to legal proceedings against Quiboloy and the KJC. In August 2024, the Philippine Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on bank accounts and properties of Quiboloy, the KJC, and SSMC, following a petition by the Anti-Money Laundering Council alleging involvement in tied to and fraud schemes. The KJC denounced the inclusion of SMNI-related assets in the order, maintaining that they pertain to independent media activities unrelated to the criminal cases. Further straining operations, the ordered SMNI to cease broadcasting in January 2024 pending resolution of congressional probes into franchise violations, including alleged partisan reporting and foreign partnerships, which curtailed potential advertising income and distribution revenues. In March 2024, the approved on third reading a bill revoking SSMC's legislative franchise, citing repeated breaches of obligations; the measure awaits Senate action and presidential approval, potentially threatening long-term financial sustainability.

Programming Content

Religious and Evangelistic Programs

Sonshine Media Network International's religious and evangelistic programs serve as the primary vehicle for promoting the teachings of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, emphasizing Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy's interpretations of Christian doctrine, including the establishment of God's kingdom on earth through personal commitment and obedience. These programs, broadcast across television, radio, and digital platforms, focus on preaching, worship, and outreach to convert viewers into church members via baptism and covenant. The flagship Gospel of the Kingdom, airing daily since 2003, features Quiboloy delivering sermons on topics such as avoiding spiritual bankruptcy, the destination of the soul, and total commitment to divine authority, drawing from biblical aligned with the church's theology that positions Quiboloy as the "Appointed ." Episodes typically last 30-60 minutes and are produced at the church's facilities in , with content designed for evangelistic impact by urging listeners to reject worldly attachments in favor of kingdom citizenship. Additional evangelistic content includes Sounds of Worship, live broadcasts of church services featuring choral performances by the Kingdom Singers and congregational praise, scheduled periodically to foster spiritual connection and invite global participation via livestream. Nightly programs like Give Us This Day incorporate fellowship segments with Quiboloy, blending singing, prayer, and doctrinal instruction to reinforce evangelistic calls. Early radio origins in the with Pagsusi sa Kamatuoran (Searching for Truth) laid the foundation for these efforts, transitioning to television formats that expanded reach, including children's through segments teaching kingdom principles to . The programs collectively aim at mass conversion, with Quiboloy's messages broadcast in multiple languages for international .

News and Public Affairs Coverage

SMNI's news and public affairs coverage operates primarily through its , a 24-hour network that delivers national and international newscasts, rolling from correspondents, talk shows, and commentary programs focused on political, economic, and topics. The channel includes segments on business and politics, regional reporting from areas like , , and , and specialized updates such as Kingdom News, which integrates religious perspectives from its affiliation with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church. Programs like SMNI News feature anchors discussing current events, often emphasizing populist critiques of government policies and . The coverage has drawn scrutiny for perceived partisanship, particularly in amplifying voices aligned with former President , including extended airtime for his commentary without equivalent access for opponents, in violation of broadcast equity rules. SMNI programs have repeatedly red-tagged journalists and activists, such as labeling CEO as a communist sympathizer, prompting complaints that it breaches the Broadcast Code of the by fostering and rather than balanced journalism. Critics, including media watchdogs, argue this reflects a pattern of using news platforms to attack government critics and defend church founder amid his legal troubles, with content shared widely by Duterte supporters to counter perceived biases in outlets like . Regulatory responses escalated in December 2023 when the (NTC) imposed a 30-day suspension on SMNI for ed reporting and franchise violations, followed by an indefinite extension in January 2024 after non-compliance. The revoked the network's franchise on March 20, 2024, citing repeated partisan broadcasts that prioritized over factual public affairs discourse. SMNI contested these actions, alleging NTC influenced by congressional probes and filing motions to inhibit officials, while maintaining its coverage serves the public interest against elite-controlled media narratives. In March 2025, Meta suspended SMNI's pages for content expressing hatred toward groups, further limiting its digital news dissemination. Despite these setbacks, SMNI continues limited operations, with its online reach previously attracting 12% of Filipino news consumers per 2023 surveys, though excluded from subsequent polls amid controversies.

Entertainment and Educational Segments

SMNI incorporates entertainment and educational content primarily through children's programming that emphasizes moral and spiritual values aligned with its religious mission. Batang Kaharian (Young Kingdom), a 30-minute program, aired from 2003 to 2022 and featured segments like BK News, BK Little Quiz, and dramatized stories teaching lessons, songs, and kingdom doctrines to nurture children's minds and spirits. The show included interactive elements such as farm visits and character-driven narratives, like those involving "Alisha and Company," to engage young viewers in value-based learning. Sonshine Kiddie Co., another children's program, focuses on teaching good values through animated characters such as Meowy and Mousy, often integrated into special events like outreach initiatives to promote unity and diversity within a context. These segments blend formats, including and quizzes, with educational aims to instill ethical principles, distinguishing them from the network's dominant news and evangelistic fare. While specific shows beyond children's content remain limited in public documentation, SMNI's broader programming includes elements designed to appeal to family audiences alongside features.

Broadcast Operations

Television Network Infrastructure

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation, maintains a television infrastructure centered on free-to-air ultra-high frequency (UHF) broadcasts targeting major Philippine urban centers. The network's flagship station, DXAQ-TV, transmits from on UHF Channel 43, providing 24-hour programming including religious services and public affairs. Additional owned-and-operated stations extend coverage to , where operations utilize UHF Channels 39 and 43, particularly for the affiliated delivering continuous news coverage. Expansions in 2020s included new stations in Santiago and , enhancing regional reach alongside and hubs. SMNI's broadcast setup originally relied on analog signals, licensed in 2003 for seven channels in key cities, but has incorporated (DTT) elements amid the Philippines' national transition to ISDB-T standards. The network conducted DTT testing on UHF Channel 40 (629.143 MHz) to support higher-quality transmission and subchannels. In , SMNI News Channel employs digital UHF 39 and 43 for distribution, while Davao operations include UHF Channel 19 for news-specific feeds. This infrastructure enables nationwide signal propagation via terrestrial towers, supplemented by cable carriage on systems like Cablelink (Channel 95) in select areas. Operational continuity faced disruption when the (NTC) issued a 30-day suspension of SMNI's radio and television stations in December 2023, extended indefinitely in January 2024 pending resolution of alleged franchise violations investigated by . As of October 2025, full restoration of over-the-air broadcasts remains unresolved, though digital and online platforms persist for partial content delivery. The underlying tower and frequency allocations, however, underscore SMNI's pre-suspension capacity for broad empirical coverage in population-dense regions.

Radio Broadcasting History

Sonshine Media Network International's radio operations originated from early evangelistic programming tied to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's ministry, evolving from initial radio broadcasts into a formalized network under the Sonshine Radio brand. This development preceded and complemented the organization's television expansion, focusing on disseminating religious teachings, news, and public affairs content across the . The Sonshine Radio network took shape in 2005 through the rebranding of existing AM stations, many of which had prior affiliations with entities like or operated under names such as Angel Radyo. The flagship station, DXRD 711 AM in —broadcasting since 1967—transitioned to Sonshine Radio that year, serving as the primary hub for network programming in Cebuano and Filipino, including music, news, and religious segments. Other stations followed suit, such as DXRE 837 AM in City and DZSP in , broadening coverage in key regions. By 2009, the network had grown to encompass 16 AM radio stations, facilitating nationwide simulcasts of live programs, including Quiboloy's broadcasts from . This expansion strengthened SMNI's reach in provincial areas, where radio remained a dominant medium for information and . Swara Sug Media Corporation, the operating entity, continues to manage the stations, with examples including 1026 AM in , emphasizing alternative viewpoints on current events.

Digital and Satellite Distribution

SMNI News Channel is transmitted via satellite on SES 9 at 12711 H (horizontal polarization), a position serving and , including the , with recent activations noted in September 2025. This free-to-air satellite distribution supports wider regional accessibility beyond terrestrial limits, particularly for viewers equipped with C-band or appropriate Ku-band receivers. The network employs (DTT) technology to broadcast channels such as SMNI News, with operations including test broadcasts on UHF frequencies in key areas like . Under the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, SMNI maintains several digital channels integrated into its free TV infrastructure, enhancing signal quality and multi-channel delivery in urban centers. Online includes 24/7 on the official SMNI , enabling real-time access to programming worldwide via web browsers. Supplementary platforms such as and Rumble host SMNI live feeds and on-demand content, with Rumble emphasizing continuous global broadcasting of news and religious segments as of September 2024. These services extend reach to international audiences, though subject to platform policies and regional availability.

Partnerships and Collaborations

International Media Ties

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) initiated discussions for a partnership with (CGTN), a state-owned Chinese broadcaster, following an executive meeting in in July 2023 during former President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Chinese President . SMNI announced the on July 18, 2023, via , focusing on content exchange. As of December 11, 2023, SMNI's legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, confirmed no formal written agreement had been executed, with negotiations ongoing and limited to sharing video footage without editorial control by CGTN over SMNI's output. Christina San Pedro, from SMNI Operations, emphasized that the arrangement would not allow CGTN to influence news content. The proposed tie-up prompted scrutiny from a Philippine panel on December 12, 2023, where Rep. raised alarms over risks of , particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea, given CGTN's affiliation with the Chinese government and history of contested narratives. Lawmakers, including those from the Party-list, called for probes into potential national security implications, viewing CGTN as a arm amid territorial tensions. No further developments on finalization were reported by late 2024, and SMNI has not disclosed other active international media partnerships.

Domestic Political and Religious Alliances

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) maintains its primary domestic religious alliance through its foundational ties to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc., a restorationist Christian denomination established by pastor Apollo Quiboloy in 1985. As the broadcast arm of this church, SMNI dedicates significant airtime to Quiboloy's evangelistic sermons and programs promoting the group's theology, which emphasizes Quiboloy's self-proclaimed role as the "Appointed Son of God." This integration positions SMNI as a key vehicle for disseminating the church's doctrines domestically, though broader alliances with other Philippine religious organizations remain limited and undocumented in public records. In the political sphere, SMNI has aligned closely with the Duterte political faction, providing supportive coverage and endorsements that reflect mutual interests in anti-communist and populist narratives. Quiboloy, through SMNI platforms, publicly backed Rodrigo Duterte's 2016 presidential campaign, framing it as a fulfillment of a prior and leveraging the network's reach to amplify Duterte's messages. This relationship extended to the 2022 elections, where SMNI endorsed the Uniteam alliance of Jr. and , broadcasting content favorable to their candidacy amid allegations of from critics. Post-election, the network has served as a platform for Duterte allies to critique the Marcos administration, including Vice President 's faction, highlighting tensions within the ruling coalition. SMNI has also collaborated with state security entities, notably partnering with the in November 2022 on an anti-communist information campaign targeting recruitment. This initiative involved joint production of materials, aligning SMNI's "anti-terrorism stance" with military objectives under the Duterte-era framework. Such partnerships underscore the network's role in domestic security discourse, though they have drawn scrutiny for blurring lines between media, religion, and government agendas. Quiboloy's personal ties to politicians, including senators like and who have defended him against investigations, further illustrate these intersections, with SMNI benefiting from political protection during franchise disputes.

Reception and Impact

Audience Reach and Viewership Metrics

SMNI maintains terrestrial broadcast signals in major Philippine cities, including digital channels 39 and 40 in and channel 43 in , providing access to local households in those regions. The network extends its potential reach nationwide through affiliations with over 500 operators, as reported in historical expansions dating to , though current partnership details remain self-reported by the operator. Additionally, SMNI distributes content via satellite beaming to and , targeting overseas Filipino viewers and international audiences. Specific viewership ratings from industry measurers like AGB Nielsen or Kantar Media are not publicly documented for SMNI programs, distinguishing it from dominant networks such as GMA or , which routinely appear in top ratings lists with shares exceeding 10-15% for prime-time slots. This absence suggests SMNI's audience engagement falls below thresholds for routine tracking in national urban and rural panels. Revenue-based analyses for TV in 2020 assign SMNI a 0.00% portion, reflecting minimal commercial impact relative to competitors with shares derived from billions in annual gross revenues. The network's core viewership aligns with its religious and public affairs programming, drawing from affiliated church communities rather than broad secular demographics, though quantitative breakdowns of loyal versus casual viewers remain unavailable in independent reports. extensions, including smninewschannel.com, report weekly usage by 12% of surveyed respondents in media ownership studies, indicating supplementary digital reach but not substituting for traditional TV metrics. Overall, SMNI's supports coverage to millions via cable and digital means, yet verifiable size lags major broadcasters, consistent with its niche positioning in a market dominated by high-revenue networks.

Awards and Industry Recognition

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) has been recognized by several awarding bodies, though these honors predominantly come from lesser-known organizations and have faced scrutiny for lacking rigorous selection criteria. In December 2023, SMNI received the Hall of Fame award and Best Integrated Broadcasting & Media Company at the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence, an event held at the . Earlier, in June 2023, the network was named Best Preeminent Broadcasting and Media Production Company in the international category at the 16th edition of the same awards. In November 2023, SMNI was given the Outstanding Broadcast Company in Ethical Journalism award by the 8th Luminare Awards, a recognition that sparked backlash given the network's documented instances of red-tagging critics and promoting unverified claims. Critics, including media observers, labeled such events as vanity awards where participants often pay entry fees, commoditizing merit without independent verification. Additional citations include the ICONIC ACE OF THE YEAR for its news channel in September 2022 and Outstanding International Media & TV Reporting of the Year in August 2023, both from niche global recognition platforms. SMNI has not secured accolades from established Philippine industry groups, such as the Catholic Awards or Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) honors, which typically honor outlets based on ethical standards and public impact metrics verified by peers. This absence underscores questions about the prestige of its received awards, often promoted via the network's own channels amid broader controversies over content credibility.

Contributions to Public Discourse and Humanitarian Efforts

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) contributes to public discourse in the through its dedicated news and public affairs programming on , which broadcasts 24-hour coverage of political, social, and investigative topics. This includes segments that examine government policies, expose alleged corruption, and feature discussions on issues, often highlighting perspectives aligned with evangelical and critiques of mainstream narratives. Such content has facilitated public awareness of events like anti-communist campaigns, where SMNI partnered with the in 2022 to disseminate information countering insurgent . In humanitarian efforts, SMNI operates via its nonprofit arm, SMNI Foundation Inc., which focuses on emergency response to natural disasters and community aid. Established to deliver timely relief to calamity victims, the foundation has coordinated distributions of food, water, and essentials in affected areas. For example, in November 2022, SMNI joined Philippine Army-led operations to provide aid to communities devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, including logistics for relief goods in regions like Davao Oriental. In October 2025, following earthquakes in Cebu Province, the foundation supplied pails of relief items, sacks of rice, and gallons of clean water to victims in San Remigio and surrounding municipalities, mobilizing teams for on-site delivery. These activities extend to environmental initiatives under the affiliated Sonshine Philippines Movement, launched in 2005 to promote restoration projects amid climate challenges.

Controversies and Criticisms

Claims of Political Bias and Disinformation

Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) has been accused of exhibiting favoring former President and his allies, while engaging in campaigns against political opponents and critics of the network's founder, . These claims intensified during the 2022 elections and escalated under the Marcos administration, with critics alleging SMNI functioned as a outlet disguised as news, amplifying unverified narratives and red-tagging individuals as communists without evidence. A prominent example occurred in November 2023, when SMNI host Jeffrey Celiz claimed on air that had spent P1.8 billion on foreign travels, a figure later corrected by House records to P4.347 million for official trips; this prompted Rep. David Suarez to file a privilege speech decrying the broadcast as malicious . The on Legislative Franchises launched probes into such incidents, citing repeated violations of SMNI's franchise terms prohibiting dissemination. Red-tagging accusations centered on host Lorraine Badoy, who during House hearings and broadcasts labeled journalists, activists, and the bloc as communist insurgents, including unfounded claims tying actress Angel Locsin's sister to the . Fact-checkers like Vera Files debunked other SMNI reports, such as false assertions that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earned an degree or misleading edits of opposition figure Leni Robredo's statements. These practices, critics argued, contributed to online harassment networks targeting media outlets like and , especially post-2020 when SMNI expanded after the latter's shutdown. Congressional actions followed, with the National Telecommunications Commission suspending SMNI for 30 days on December 22, 2023, for franchise violations including misinformation, and the House revoking its franchise on March 20, 2024, via House Bill 9710 after hearings documented patterns of biased reporting and propaganda. Additional claims emerged in 2025, such as SMNI misinterpreting a 2021 Commission on Audit report on a local project as evidence of corruption, labeled by officials as politically motivated distortion. Sources like Rappler and the Inquirer, while established outlets, have been critiqued for alignment with anti-Duterte narratives, though the cited incidents rely on broadcast records and official fact-checks.

Platform Deplatforming and Content Restrictions

In February 2025, disabled multiple accounts affiliated with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), citing violations of its community guidelines on misinformation and harmful content. Additional SMNI-linked channels were disabled on February 21, 2025, as part of ongoing enforcement actions against networks accused of disseminating unverified claims. On March 18, 2025, Meta suspended several SMNI Facebook pages, including those for SMNI News and 1026 radio, for allegedly "expressing hatred or contempt for a group of people" in violation of its standards against and . SMNI reported that these actions affected at least 21 accounts across , , and since 2023, framing the restrictions as targeted suppression amid its coverage of political figures like former President . The followed earlier removals, such as suspending channels linked to SMNI founder in June 2023 for policy breaches on deceptive practices. Platforms justified the measures based on internal reviews of content promoting division or falsehoods, though SMNI contested them as biased enforcement favoring narratives over alternative viewpoints. These incidents reduced SMNI's online visibility, prompting reliance on alternative distribution amid claims of coordinated .

Government Probes and Franchise Disputes

In November 2023, the ' Committee on Legislative Franchises launched an investigation into Swara Sug Media Corporation, the entity operating Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), over alleged violations of its congressional franchise, including the broadcast of untruthful and biased content, red-tagging of public figures, and discrepancies in corporate reporting such as operating under the SMNI name instead of the franchised Swara Sug designation. The probe stemmed from complaints by lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker David Suarez, who highlighted instances of SMNI hosts making unsubstantiated claims against government officials and Vice President Sara Duterte, potentially breaching the franchise's mandate to air factual news and public service programming. On December 6, 2023, the committee voted to recommend franchise termination, citing additional issues like , labor law violations, and failure to submit required financial disclosures, though SMNI representatives argued these were administrative oversights and denied deliberate . In response, the (NTC) issued a 30-day suspension of SMNI's operations on December 2023, which SMNI contested as relying excessively on unverified House findings without independent NTC verification, claiming violations of . The NTC escalated this on January 23, 2024, with a cease-and-desist order prohibiting all broadcasts pending resolution, after reports of non-compliance with the initial suspension. The House approved House Bill No. 9710 on second reading on March 13, 2024, and third reading on March 20, 2024, by a vote of 284-4-4, formally revoking the franchise for "grave violations" including non-compliance with public responsibility clauses and airing content deemed propagandistic rather than journalistic. SMNI maintained that the actions constituted political targeting, especially given its prior alignment with former President Duterte's administration, under which the franchise was renewed for 25 years in 2019, and sought review, as bicameral concurrence is required for revocation. As of October 2025, the Senate has not acted on the bill, leaving SMNI's full operational status in limbo amid ongoing NTC enforcement and legal challenges. In January 2024, the (NTC) issued a order against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), requiring the network to halt its radio and television operations indefinitely pending resolution of its legislative franchise case. SMNI responded by filing a petition with the on January 30, 2024, seeking to enjoin the NTC's order on grounds of unconstitutional and violation of freedom of expression. As of late 2024, the had not issued a final ruling on the petition. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended two SMNI programs, Laban Kasama ang Bayan and SMNI Resolution, in December 2023 for airing content deemed to violate standards on indecent language and partisan political activity. SMNI appealed the decision, but the MTRCB affirmed the 14-day suspension on January 26, 2024, emphasizing its mandate to classify and regulate broadcast content accessible to all audiences. In March 2024, the approved on third reading House Bill No. 9710, revoking the congressional franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, SMNI's operator, citing violations including the unauthorized transfer of ownership, dissemination of , red-tagging of individuals, and failure to file required reports. The bill passed with 284 votes in favor, 4 against, and 4 abstentions, but requires concurrence and presidential approval to take effect. No action on the measure had been reported by October 2025. Separate civil proceedings arose from SMNI's broadcasts, including a December 2024 Quezon City Regional Trial Court ruling ordering SMNI hosts Jeffrey Celiz and Lorraine Badoy to pay damages to journalist for red-tagging him as a communist rebel, marking a precedent on liability for such claims in media. In August 2024, the Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on assets linked to Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ, including SMNI properties, as part of and related cases, though SMNI contested the inclusion of its assets as unrelated to the charges.

Defenses Against Accusations and Claims of Persecution

SMNI representatives have argued that regulatory actions against the network, including the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) 30-day suspension order issued on December 19, 2023, violated by imposing penalties without a prior hearing or opportunity for the network to present evidence. The network contended that the NTC overrelied on a House of Representatives resolution recommending sanctions, conducting no independent fact-finding, which amounted to punishment without trial under the 1987 Philippine Constitution. In response to the House Committee on Legislative Franchises' probe into alleged franchise violations—initiated after SMNI hosts accused Speaker of incurring P1.8 billion in travel expenses—SMNI hosts defended their reporting by citing internal government sources, such as a employee, as the basis for the claims, rejecting demands to disclose informants as protective of journalistic . Legal for SMNI further asserted that subsequent NTC orders, including a January 18, 2024, directive to cease operations pending resolution, represented unconstitutional overreach and abuse of power, prompting petitions to the Court of Appeals to enjoin enforcement. Supporters, including , criticized the NTC's dual role as investigator and adjudicator in franchise disputes, labeling the suspensions as threats to press freedom and calling for inquiries into potential regulatory bias. SMNI personnel filed a petition on January 30, 2024, challenging the NTC's indefinite operational halt as infringing on constitutional rights, arguing it conflated unproven content violations with blanket franchise penalties without evidentiary standards. Against claims of disinformation and bias, particularly tied to the network's alignment with former President Rodrigo Duterte, SMNI has maintained that probes stem from political reprisal rather than substantive breaches, with lawyers filing motions for NTC officials to inhibit themselves from adjudication due to evident partiality in serving as both complainant and judge. Network advocates have framed deplatforming efforts, such as Meta's March 2025 suspension of SMNI's Facebook accounts for alleged hate speech, as further evidence of coordinated suppression targeting dissenting voices. These defenses collectively portray regulatory and congressional actions as selective enforcement motivated by the network's critical coverage of administration figures, rather than verifiable infractions.

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  73. https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/apollo-quiboloy-sonshine-media-network-disinformation-attacks-government-critics/
  74. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3274223/philippines-duterte-faces-achilles-heel-election-over-his-links-wanted-pastor
  75. https://fulcrum.sg/quiboloys-arrest-when-self-proclaimed-son-of-god-plays-politics/
  76. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-philippines-domestic-politics-are-the-wildcard-in-its-trilateral-partnership-with-the-us-and-japan/
  77. https://verafiles.org/articles/philippine-army-is-secret-partner-of-smni-media-group-in-anti-communist-campaign
  78. https://democratic-erosion.org/2024/05/27/philippine-politicians-protect-fugitive-pastor/
  79. https://russel.fandom.com/wiki/Sonshine_Media_Network_International
  80. https://x.com/tv_agb
  81. https://www.phcc.gov.ph/storage/pdf-resources/1737108542_PCC-Market-Study-2024-02-Blocktiming-Practices-in-PH-Free-TV-Industry.pdf
  82. https://smninewschannel.com/smni-wins-hall-of-fame-award-at-golden-globe-annual-awards/
  83. https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/SMNI_News_Channel
  84. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/red-tagger-smni-ethical-journalism-asia-pacific-luminare-awards/
  85. https://thecardinalprint.wordpress.com/2024/01/21/achievement-for-clout-vanity-awards-and-the-commoditization-of-merit/
  86. https://www.facebook.com/TheGlobalIconicAcesAwards/videos/congratulations-smni-news-channel-the-iconic-news-and-public-affairs-tv-station-/392847329730242/
  87. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR8yYoH8MDw
  88. https://www.facebook.com/BomboLaoag/posts/bombo-radyo-philippines-qualifies-as-finalists-in-all-9-categories-at-the-47th-c/1298208372340504/
  89. https://thepost.ph/lifestyle/current-events/luminare-awards-the-shady-side-of-honoring-excellence-exposed/
  90. https://smnifoundationinc.com/about
  91. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1187982
  92. https://smninewschannel.com/smni-foundation-delivers-pails-of-relief-goods-sacks-of-rice-and-gallons-of-clean-water-to-earthquake-victims-in-san-remigio-cebu/
  93. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1867347/quiboloys-smni-probed-for-spreading-fake-news
  94. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/house-investigation-smni-misinformation-romualdez-travels/
  95. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/list-complaints-filed-against-lorraine-badoy/
  96. https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-check-smni-news-wrongly-claims-marcos-earned
  97. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1878214/ntc-heeds-house-clamor-suspends-smni-for-30-days
  98. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/20/house-of-representatives-revokes-smni-franchise-1850
  99. https://www.facebook.com/106.7FarmRadio/videos/smni-misread-the-2021-coa-audit-report-which-recorded-only-40-accomplishmentnot-/2208608126310633/
  100. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/newspoint-fake-press-undeserved-freedom-smni/
  101. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2025/philippines
  102. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/21/2423072/more-smni-linked-youtube-accounts-disabled
  103. https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/meta-suspension-smni-news-dzar-1026-radio-station-pages-march-2025/
  104. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/20/2429705/meta-takes-down-smni-facebook-pages
  105. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/shut-down-quiboloy-and-smni-permanently/
  106. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/meta-blocks-social-media-channels-of-pro-duterte-media-outlet-in-philippines/3514257
  107. https://www.facebook.com/groups/du302016movement/posts/8986003954836637/
  108. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/11/29/2315001/smni-faces-house-franchise-panel-probe
  109. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1868689/house-panel-starts-probe-into-sonshine-media-network
  110. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/12/22/23/smni-says-ntc-suspension-order-violated-due-process
  111. https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2024/01/23/570837/ntc-hits-smni-with-cease-order/
  112. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/26/2328747/mtrcb-junks-smnis-plea-lift-suspension-two-programs
  113. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217709
  114. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/21/2342126/house-oks-bill-revoking-franchise-smni-final-reading
  115. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/13/smni-franchise-revocation-needs-senate-nod-solon-1511
  116. https://rollingstonephilippines.com/state-of-affairs/state-of-affairs-news/journalist-atom-araullo-wins-landmark-lawsuit-vs-red-tagging/
  117. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/23/2320858/smni-says-ntc-suspension-order-violated-due-process
  118. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1868634/smni-host-says-his-source-on-speakers-travel-expenses-a-worker-in-senate
  119. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1893922/smni-lawyer-says-network-becomes-target-of-unconstitutional-ruling
  120. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1880830/smni-fights-suspension-hits-ntc-abuse-of-power
  121. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/22/2320575/ntc-suspends-smni-operations-30-days
  122. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/21/padilla-calls-for-probe-into-ntc-s-suspension-of-smni-940
  123. https://www.facebook.com/ONENewsPH/videos/smni-asks-ntc-officials-to-inhibit-from-franchise-violation-case/665917775462154/
  124. https://cmfr-phil.org/editorial/smni-vs-romualdez-and-house-a-case-against-political-control-of-media-franchise/
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