By Junex Doronio

MANILA — The line “With press freedom comes great responsibility” seemingly guided the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) when it suspended former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa” program and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” of Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz on SMNI network.

Starting Monday, December 18, FPRRD and Badoy and Celiz would not be heard in the wake of complaints about alleged death threats, profanity, and unverified news.

The two controversial programs on SMNI network won’t be airing for the next two weeks after a preventive suspension order was recently handed by the MTRCB down.

“During the 13 December 2023 Board Meeting, a unanimous decision was reached to impose a 14-day preventive suspension on ‘Laban Kasama ang Bayan’ and a majority vote for ‘Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa.’ 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 MTRCB pointed out in a press statement.

“Gikan Sa Masa, Para sa Masa” is a weekly talk show of FPRRD alongside his friend Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy who proclaimed himself as the “Appointed Son of God” and who is also the subject of a Senate investigation in aid of legislation led by Senator Risa Hontiveros following charges of sexual abuses and human trafficking.

On the other hand, “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” is hosted by Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, who were recently released from House detention.

“This decision is a result of a thorough review and investigation into alleged violations related to content aired on these shows,” the MTRCB said.

It added that “multiple complaints” were received about two episodes of “Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa” where alleged death threats and profane language by a guest were made.

A complaint was also lodged about the “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” episode “about unverified news” related to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s travel funds.

“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 under Section 3, Chapter XIII of the IRR of P.D. No. 1986,” the MTRCB stressed.

The SMNI has not yet issued a reaction as of this posting.

(ai/mnm)