MTRCB suspends SMNI shows hosted by ex-Pres. Duterte, Badoy, Celiz

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the airing of two SMNI programs — one hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte and the other led by Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz for two weeks.

In a statement on Tuesday, the MTRCB said it received several complaints on the alleged violations of the shows "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" and "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" airing on the broadcast network currently under legislative scrutiny.

The MTRCB said complaints were filed against the "Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa" October 10 episode where Duterte aired a death threat against ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro.

RELATED: Ex-pres. Duterte denies threatening Rep. Castro's life

The board said it also received another complaint about an alleged death threat and profane language by a guest on the same show on Nov. 15.

The MTRCB said it issued a warning to SMNI that similar incidents will be dealt with more sternly. The TV network committed to pre-record and review episodes before airing.

The program "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" was also brought to the attention of the MTRCB after Celiz claimed on-air that House Speaker Martin Romualdez spent 1.8 billion for travels this year. The host admitted in a House hearing that the information from his Senate source was unverified.

RELATED: Lawmakers cite SMNI hosts Celiz, Badoy in contempt

The MTRCB said it was a unanimous decision to suspend "Laban Kasama ang Bayan," while majority of the board members voted to halt the airing of Duterte's weekly show.

"To prevent the possible repetition of these alleged infractions which may pose a negative impact on public welfare, ethical considerations, and the overall reputation of the broadcasting industry, the Board determined the need to preventively suspend the subject program/s," it explained.

It added SMNI is expected to rectify the issues during the suspension period.

Castro welcomed the suspension order and hoped this would mark the start that the hosts are made accountable for their consistent red tagging.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives has adopted a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend SMNI’s operations.

Another lawmaker also filed a bill seeking the revocation of SMNI's franchise over alleged violations and fake news peddling.