Philippine Press Institute, Probe throw support behind Rappler
Three notable media groups on Wednesday expressed its support to embattled online news site Rappler at the heels of the government's decision to revoke its certificates of incorporation.
In separate statements, the Philippine Press Institute, The Probe Team and Probe Productions voiced their protest against the ruling of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The PPI, whose members include major national broadsheets, emphasized that critical press is vital in any democratic society.
"We need a critical press and a vigilant public to speak truth to power, hold government accountable and safeguard our freedoms as enshrined in the constitution," PPI executive director and trustee Ariel Sebellino said in a text message.
In a statement, the PPI stressed that any attempt to "muzzle" a critical press organization endangers the public's right to know and access to information.
"The PPI board stands in absolute solidarity with Rappler as we affirm our unequivocal support for a free and independent press," it said.
"We believe in Rappler and what it stands for. By allowing Rappler to be silenced, we fear for the media industry in the country," the PPI added.
Probe
Rappler has called the decision "pure and simple harassment," noting its critical coverage of the Duterte administration.
Media organizations and senators have also scored the government for the ruling as a move against press freedom.
Malacañang, meanwhile, denied this accusation, even though President Rodrigo Duterte has called Rappler a "fake news outlet" in defending his special assistant, Christopher "Bong" Go, against reports that he intervened in a P15.5-billion project to acquire new weapons system for the Philippine Navy's frigate program. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News