The controversy surrounding Lorraine T. Badoy and “Ka Eric” in relation to their status as talents versus employees of SMNI has ignited a debate amid congressional hearings seeking to cancel the broadcast franchise of SMNI.

The crux of the matter lies in the legal distinction between talents and employees, a precedent underscored by the Supreme Court in Jose Sonza v ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (431 SCRA 583). The court ruled that a network’s lack of control over the means and methods by which a personality renders contracted services establishes the individual as an independent contractor rather than a network employee.

In this context, accusations of Badoy and Ka Eric spreading fake news should not be automatically attributed to SMNI, as they function as independent contractors. This legal perspective emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach in scrutinizing the alleged transgressions, ensuring that responsibility is assigned accurately while respecting the legal framework that delineates the relationship between networks and their contracted personalities.

Should we also ask whether Korina Sanchez, Boy Abunda, Vice Ganda and Dingdong Dantes are talents or employees of their respective networks?