Philippines suspends TV show that regularly features former president Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine television regulators have suspended a TV program where former President Rodrigo Duterte regularly appears, saying it violated broadcast content standards.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) imposed a two-week suspension on Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI) program Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa effective 18 December, reported rappler.com. citing a statement from the regulator on Tuesday.

The production for Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa was temporarily halted after former president Duterte threatened France Castro, member of the Philippine House of Representatives for ACT Teachers, on two episodes aired in October and November, the report added.

“The decision aligns with the powers granted to the MTRCB by Presidential Decree No. 1986, ensuring that television programs adhere to contemporary Filipino cultural values,” the report quoted MTRCB as saying in the statement.

The MTRCB said the board, in a majority vote, decided to suspend Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa.

The television and movie watchdog noted that “certain aspects” of the program may have violated the law. It also pointed out that it has powers to disapprove programs “that may be objectionable, including those undermining faith in the government or authorities, and being libelous or defamatory.”

During the 14-day suspension, SMNI is “expected to address and rectify the identified issues."

SMNI has been under scrutiny following attacks on lawmakers made by its program hosts. In a House committee on legislative franchises hearing, the network’s legal counsels tried to emphasize that they always put disclaimers that they are not liable for whatever their hosts or guests say during the program, Rappler.com reported.

In the 10 October episode of Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa, Duterte threatened Castro’s life and linked her to the armed communist movement without proof.

The MTRCB said that SMNI on 8 November promised to pre-record and review the show’s episodes after a warning from the watchdog.

However, Duterte made another death threat against Castro over a month later, on 15 November.

Both incidents have been the subject of Castro’s grave threats complaint against Duterte.

With inputs from agencies