Malacañang reporters slam 'attempt to control press freedom'

The Malacañang Press Corps on Wednesday slammed Communications Asec. Mocha Uson proposal to reclassify online news site Rappler as "social media," characterizing it as an "attempt to curtail press freedom."

"The MPC and its affairs, governed by by-laws in accordance with the constitutional provision on press freedom, are not in any way under the control and supervision of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) or any government agency," the statement read.

"The MPC deplores any attempt to curtail press freedom and will continue to ensure a strong free press, keep public informed and the government in check," it added.

The MPC is an independent organization of journalists from various news organizations assigned to regularly cover the Philippine President and Malacañang events.

Reacting to the statement in a Facebook post, Uson described the MPC move "OA."

"Reclassify lang 'curtail press freedom' na kaagad? OA naman. Pero kayo noong ina-accredit na ang bloggers na papasok sa Malacañang dami niyo gustong restrictions. So ang KALAYAAN SA PAMAMAHAYAG para sa inyo lang?" she wrote.

In a letter on Tuesday, Uson asked Communications Sec. Martin Andanar about Rappler's designation, saying it should be classified as "social media." Uson is assistant secretary for social media.

Such a reclassification would require Rappler to be covered by Department Order 15 or the "Interim Social Media Practitioner Accreditation" issued last August. Uson is in charge of the accreditation process for social media practitioners.

Rappler, for its part, has maintained that as an independent media entity, government does not have the power to regulate it as the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press. It also noted that the MPC is an independent group that is not under the control of the government, and that the PCOO's social media accreditation only covers individuals and not news organizations.

Uson has frequently lashed out at Rappler on her popular social media page, which has millions of followers, accusing the news organization of damaging the country's image abroad.

Andanar, in a text message to reporters , said he would read Uson's letter next week after his Vietnam trip for President Rodrigo Duterte's attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Conference. —JST, GMA News