Defend Rappler and Press Freedom — PH-American Press Club USA

INQUIRER FILE

The Philippine American Press Club USA based in San Francisco joins the call for vigilance in defense of a free press in the Philippines sounded by various media and civil liberties institutions such as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines.

The Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission triggered the alarm with its revocation of Rappler’s license to operate because the news site had allegedly violated the constitutional provision against foreign ownership of Philippine media.

Rappler has been accused of hiding its foreign ownership because its Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) stipulates that Rappler Holdings will not alter, modify or otherwise change its articles of incorporation and by-laws without the approval of 2/3 of PDR holders. (PDRs allows foreign entities to invest in Philippine corporations without becoming owners of stocks.) This stipulation, however, is a common boiler-plate shield stating that the corporation will not commit any acts inimical to the investor’s (PDR owner’s) interest. The conclusion and punishment made by the Securities and Exchange Commission are both hasty and drastic. The SEC does not even allow Rappler the chance to cure or correct its supposed error, short of outright license revocation.

The debatable charge against Rappler would have remained a primarily corporate issue were it not for the Duterte Administration’s record of ceaselessly assaulting Philippine news media and their independence. This is the context that makes the legalistic strike against Rappler worthy of alarm and condemnation. The revocation of Rappler’s permit is but the latest concrete and most serious attempt by the administration and its allies to muzzle the free Philippine press.

A committee of the Lower House, has been sitting on the license renewal of 54 radio stations owned by the Catholic Media Network. It is no coincidence. The Catholic Church has become a leading moral force in the effort to stop extra judicial killings or EJKs in violation of their human rights and of democratic due process.

The multi-awarded Philippine Daily Inquirer, one of the mainstream media constantly harangued by President due to its in-depth unflattering reportage on official misdeeds and questionable dealings is now on the block and with ongoing talks with possible new owners. A government real estate property managed by the PDI owners which has had government approval for the past 25 years was unceremoniously yanked out of from under them.

The network ABS-CBN has also been in the cross-hairs of the Duterte Administration for some alleged trespasses that executives of the network have disavowed. They have been threatened with non-renewal of its television franchise.

Philippine news media, on the whole, have remained true to their role as the unofficial Fourth Estate that helps to ensure the survival of the system of checks and balances between the three branches of government. We support our fellow journalists’ efforts to fight against any attempts to undermine their calling. The democratic system – its Constitution and bill of rights — that was restored after the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship has survived several life-threatening coup attempts. Filipinos who value democracy must make sure that it persists in the Philippines. We must take a stand against the looming danger of authoritarian rule.