Ex-President Duterte wishes to talk to President Marcos Jr ‘indirectly’ over SMNI probe

Former president Rodrigo Duterte said he wishes to talk to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ‘indirectly’ over the investigation of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In a report by King Pandia over Super Radyo Davao on Sunday, Duterte said in a press conference that he has not talked with Apollo Quiboloy over the issue but only wishes to help the religious leader since his program is also affected by the ongoing probe that has affected the former chief executive's program on SMNI. "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa".

"I do not want to control the President but rather I want to talk to him indirectly," Duterte.

 

Dating Pang. Rodrigo Duterte, nais makausap si Pang. @bongbongmarcos kaugnay ng mga isinasagawang imbestigasyon sa Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). | via King Pandia, Super Radyo Davao pic.twitter.com/97IpkAxsrk

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 7, 2024

SMNI is owned and operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation and is reportedly a broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) led by Quiboloy.

"One of these days I will come up with a statement not necessarily defending Pastor Quiboloy but just to say something about the way things are," Duterte said.

Duterte said he does not agree with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) decision to investigate SMNI, claiming that he sees no wrongdoing on the part of the broadcasting company.

"The NTC have not come up with any allegations or charge of any wrongdoing", Duterte said to members of the Davao media.

The NTC has issued a 30-day suspension against SMNI operations for allegedly violating the terms and conditions of its franchise.SMNI counsel have requested regulators to give them until January 20 so they can properly answer the allegations against their client.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Sunday said Malacañang is open to talk with Duterte.

"President Marcos is always available to former President Duterte. The President will contact him now to ask if he wants a meeting," Garafil said.—Rhoel Fernandez, GMA Integrated News