Palace reporters hit Uson for move against Rappler

MANILA, Philippines — Journalists covering the Malacañang beat slammed Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson for attempting to "expel" Rappler from the press corps.

In a statement, the Malacañang Press Corps said that it "deplores any attempt to curtail press freedom and will continue to ensure a strong free press, keep public informed and the government in check."

On Tuesday, Uson made public her letter addressed to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, asking the Cabinet secretary to "declassify" Rappler and move the media outfit under her wing. Uson handles the Palace office's social media efforts, including the accreditation of bloggers to cover presidential activities.

Uson justified her request by pointing out that Rappler "has no counterpart print or broadcast arm," while omitting that the organization is run by professional journalists.

Rappler, an online news organization, has been accredited with the MPC since 2013.

The MPC, meanwhile, stressed that the press corps is an "independent organization of journalists."

"The MPC and its affairs, governed by by-laws in accordance with the constitutional provision on press freedom, is not in any way under the control and supervision of the Presidential Communications Operations Office or any government agency," the statement further reads.