(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday stood by the order to ban Rappler reporter Pia Ranada from covering Malacanang events, saying her organization was “not a legitimate agency according to the (Securities and Exchange Commission)” in the first place.
The President was referring to the SEC’s January decision that revoked Rappler’s license on the grounds it violated the constitutional provision that bars foreign ownership of media, among others.
“So I am now invoking executive action based on the SEC ruling,” Duterte told reporters after his visit to the wake of Joanna Demafelis in Sara, Iloilo.
He said if Rappler proves it was legitimate, “pasok kayo uli.”
“But unless hindi legitimate, hindi naman Pilipino pala, e bawal yan e,” he added.
CIA-sponsored?
In his brief talk with reporters, the President again slammed Rappler, which he said could be “CIA-sponsored.”
He said Rappler would “undermine” if there was a chance to undermine.
“Kilala ninyo ako. Basahin ninyo ang Rappler mamaya. I don’t have to suggest anything. You make the reports now, they will make the distortion, or a retort that is distortion. Magkasama naman tayo lahat. Tignan mo reporting nila,” he said.
Two days ago, Ranada, who covers the President, was prevented from entering the New Executive Building gate in Malacanang.
She was later allowed to enter the press working area in NEB but not Malacañang Palace itself.
Later in the day, the Office of the Executive Secretary said Ranada would not be able to cover Malacanang events in her capacity as individual journalist, as Rappler’s accreditation had ceased until the Court of Appeals issues a temporary restraining order on the SEC decision, if it does issue one.
In revoking Rappler’s license to do business, the SEC said Rappler committed what may be considered “a species of securities fraud” when it sold securities to foreign entities, the Omidyar Network and North Base Media.
The SEC said it also violated Section 1 of the Commonwealth ACT 108, or the Anti-Dummy Act, which penalizes any citizen of the Philippines who allows his name or citizenship to be used for the purpose of evading constitutional or legal provisions.
On January 29, Rappler asked the CA to invalidate the SEC decision.