Duterte urged to stop ‘attacks’ vs news website

MANILA, Philippines — A group of newspaper publishers has urged the Duterte administration to stop what it described as “attacks” against news website Rappler and to recognize the role of independent media in society.

In a resolution dated June 6, the board of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), expressed concern as officials of at least eight state agencies have attacked Rappler in an apparent “coordinated attempt” to undermine the legitimacy and integrity of the news website. 

“These attacks appeared to be in retaliation of  Rappler’s critical coverage of the policies and actions of the government, particularly its response to the country’s widespread drugs problem, law and order issues as well as human rights,” the board said. 

“The board calls on the government to recognize the role of independent media in ensuring transparency and accountability, and to work with – rather than seek to undermine – the media as an essential partner for the advancement of society.”

The group also asked the government to discourage its supporters from threatening the safety and security of Rappler journalists.

The WAN-IFRA also gave Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa the Golden Pen of Freedom Award.

In its website, the group claimed to have a global network of 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs as well as 80 member-publisher groups representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries.

Formed in 1948, the association aims to protect the rights of journalists around the world to operate free media, among other objectives. 

The resolution was issued during a meeting of the group’s board in Cascais, Portugal that coincided with the 70th World News Media Congress.

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the license of Rappler for allegedly violating the foreign ownership limits of the Constitution. 

The SEC said Rappler employed a “deceptive scheme to circumvent the Constitution” by sourcing funds from a foreign company, the Omidyar Network of eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.

Rappler described the SEC decision as a form of harassment meant to suppress press freedom and discourage reports critical of the government.

Officials, however, maintained that the corporate regulator’s decision was not about freedom of expression but Rappler’s violation of the Constitution. 

Malacañang has barred Rappler reporters from covering the events of President Duterte, drawing outrage from media organizations.

The news website is also being probed for its supposed violation of the Anti-Dummy Law. Officials of Rappler are facing a cyber libel complaint and a tax evasion case. 

The group urged Duterte to lift the ban on Rappler correspondents covering Malacañang.