By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that she has no intention of running for mayor in Davao City in the upcoming 2025 elections, Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Representative Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles has denied that there’s any political agenda in the ongoing investigation of alleged franchise violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) headed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s close friend Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
On Monday, Nograles pointed out that she did not file any measure seeking to revoke SMNI’s franchise but only filed a resolution seeking to suspend its operations while probing the alleged violations of Quibuloy’s media outlet.
“Let’s set facts straight here para walang misinformation: First, please check the records of the House, i did NOT file for the revocation of the franchise but merely the resolution to urge NTC to suspend operations habang tinitingnan itong mga violations sa franchise nila and other laws. Tapos na itong resolution na ito and NTC’s decision to suspend indefinitely is beyond the powers of Congress,” Nograles said.
SMNI counsel Rolex Suplico claimed that the investigation against the network has something to do with local politics.
The Dutertes and Nograleses are known political rivals in Davao City.
“Second, what does politics have to do with violations of their franchise and other laws? What are they implying by relating these personalities and politics to their network? Nakakatakot. As far as we all know, hindi miyembro ng KOJC ang VP, her family, nor the Speaker, nor do any of them have anything to do with SMNI and its operations,” Atty. Migs added.
Quiboloy, who is believed to be the beneficial owner of SMNI, is a known ally and spiritual adviser of Duterte who is facing “crimes against humanity” charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the reported extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in the course of the anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“Spiritual adviser and being close is different from being part of the membership and the operations of SMNI nor does it have anything to do with violations. Is he implying they have something to do with the violations?” Nograles asked.
Meanwhile, the Senate has officially issued a subpoena against Quiboloy after he failed to show up to two hearings that aimed to uncover the details of the sexual abuse and forced labor charges against him and his church members.
(el Amigo/MNM)