Rappler Statement on Comelec’s Decision to Hold Election Partnership

Rappler reacted to the suspension of its partnership with Comelec

Online news company Rappler released a statement as a response to the decision of Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Socorro Inting to suspend their fact-checking deal.

On March 8, the day when Inting took oath as the acting chairman of the Commission, a memorandum was released stating that the partnership between the poll body and the social media news site will be “held in abeyance”.

This decision Inting came from the petition of Solicitor General Jose Calida to debunk the said agreement between Rappler and Comelec. In line with this, the online news company issued a statement.

Rappler said that Inting decided over this matter without consulting the Comelec en banc, unlike the time when the Memorandum of Agreement was signed after a discussion between two parties happened.

The social media news site also stressed that the MoA was “found no legal obstacles.” It also stated that four hours after the memorandum of acting chairman Inting was leaked, Rappler has not received an official copy of the memorandum.

“This decision is based on the false and unsubstantiated claims of the Solicitor General, who is obviously acting on behalf of partisan interests that are being threatened by Rappler’s independent reporting,” the online news company said.

It also reiterated that the agreement for the 2022 elections “stands on solid legal ground” just like what has been done in every election since 2013.

“Rappler is asking the commission en banc to deliberate on the matter in the same way it did when it approved the MOA as a collegial body. This decision should be based on fact and not unproven accusations that cannot stand in court,” it said.

The social media news site is also hoping that the new chairman and commissioners will bring this matter to a discussion with “impartiality, wisdom, and courage”.