InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE 3 - 12:42 p.m.) TV5 on Friday questioned before the Court of Appeals the preventive suspension of the public affairs show, “T3,” by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.
The network filed a petition for review and certiorari and prohibition saying the MTRCB has no authority to suspend news and public affairs shows.
It also asked the CA to stop the MTRCB from enforcing the suspension until the court resolves the issue.
"Immediately upon filing of this petition, issue a temporary restraining order and subsequently a writ of preliminary injunction enjoining the MTRCB from enforcing, implementing or executing any manner its order dated 10 May 2012," the petition urged the appellate court.
It also asked that the MTRCB order be annulled "for being unconstitutional and for having been issued without jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction."
On Thursday, the MTRCB slapped a 20-day preventive suspension on T3 pending its investigation into threatening comments uttered by show hosts Raffy, Ben and Erwin Tulfo against showbiz couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barreto following a brawl with their eldest brother Ramon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last Sunday.
This was after TV5 handed down a three-day suspension on the three for the same offense.
TV5 president and CEO Ray C. Espinosa said the MTRCB’s suspension of the show constituted prior restraint, which violates the Constitution.
“Their [MTRCB] biggest mistake is they confuse a news program with the anchor or talent or host -- who, if he errs, becomes liable. But only the anchor or talent should be suspended. You cannot stop a news program from airing,” said Espinosa.
“News shows cannot be censored, or prevented from airing beforehand. That’s unconstitutional. We will file a case in court to question the MTRCB order,” he added.
On Friday, the National Press Club weighed in on the issue, slamming the MTRCB decision as “too harsh.”
NPC president Benny Antiporda said the threats uttered by the Tulfos was “not a habitual act” but was triggered by their “emotions for a brother who was hurt.”
InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5.
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