Duterte says Rappler ‘takes every chance to undermine’ him

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday defended his decision to ban Rappler from covering Malacañang and his activities, saying the online news site is distorting facts and takes every chance to undermine him.

Speaking to reporters in Iloilo, Duterte said Rappler was no longer a "legitimate" corporation, citing the decision of the  decision of of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC revoked Rappler’s certificate of incorporation last month for supposedly violating the constitutional prohibition on foreign ownership of mass media.

"So I am now invoking executive action based on the SEC ruling na kung sabihin na sila legitimate sila, pasok kayo uli. Walang problema sa akin yan but unless di ka legitimate, di naman Pilipino pala ang may-ari, e bawal 'yan," Duterte said.

He then repeated his insinuation that Rappler is being funded by the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which has been linked to attempts of preserving or toppling foreign governments.

"Baka CIA-sponsored bawal rin 'yan kasi CIA has been known to…'yung Rappler, the newspaper itself takes every chance to undermine you. That is the history of America, CIA, 'yung political dissenters inaalagan nila, eventually mamili 'yan sila ng kandidato na mautusan nila," he said.

Duterte banned Rappler from all presidential coverage on Tuesday, a day after the Senate summoned his top aide, Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, to answer questions following a Rappler report claiming that he had intervened in the selection of the combat management system of the two frigates the Philippine Navy was buying.

Go denied he had intervened in the project and accused Rappler of malicious and irresponsible reporting. — BM, GMA News