Rappler criticizes matrix report: An example of how not to write investigative report

News website Rappler on Monday criticized the matrix story showing the alleged plot by media organizations to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that it is an example of "how not to write an investigative report or even a straight news."

"The Manila Times under Dante Ang, appointed special envoy for international public relations by President Rodrigo Duterte, is the reason why journalism schools and newsrooms in the country should be actively educating the youth and communities on what truthful, responsible and ethical journalism is," Rappler said in a statement.

The matrix, which was cited in a report published by Manila Times chairman emeritus Dante Ang, showed the flow of anti-Duterte information from the source to recipients including media outlets Vera Files as well as the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

The report indicated that "false narratives" are also being distributed to Rappler, which has been critical of Duterte and his policies.

Vera Files' president Ellen Tordesillas was named in the report as the "nexus and distributor" of materials from alias Bikoy, the man who had claimed to be a former drug syndicate member and had ledgers showing presidential son Paolo Duterte's alleged involvement to the illegal drugs trade.

Tordesillas has dismissed the matrix report.

Presidential spokesman Secretary Salvador Panelo earlier presented the matrix to the media; but he clarified that his copy came from the Chief Executive.

Panelo denied that the Manila Times' copy came from the Office of the President. — RSJ, GMA News