NBI starts criminal probe of Rappler

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday formally ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe possible criminal liabilities of executives of online news outfit Rappler over its reportedly illegal foreign ownership.

Aguirre issued a department order specifically directing the NBI to “conduct investigation and case buildup over possible violation of the Constitution and laws” by Rappler.

He ordered the bureau “if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate cases against those found liable.”

“Whether any law has been violated, it will not be limited to administrative law, Anti-Dummy law but we are going to see if there are other laws violated by anybody in connection with this decision of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in cancellation of registration of Rappler,” Aguirre said.

Duterte respects Bill of Rights

Malacañang yesterday gave assurance that President Duterte would always respect the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution, parrying criticism that the administration is curtailing press freedom after the SEC revoked Rappler’s license to operate last Monday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, however, refused to comment on the moves at the House of Representatives to push for the provision that would include “responsible exercise” of free speech in the proposed Bill of Rights in case the 1987 Constitution is amended.

“We will not comment on this, because this is just a proposal. We will wait until the final proposal of Congress is submitted to the people,” Roque said. 

As a lawyer, the President will always adhere to the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution, according to Roque.

“So far, I can assure you, the President is a lawyer, he honors the Bill of Rights, he has no problem with the Bill of Rights,” he said.

Following his continuing attacks against Rappler and other media entities that criticize his leadership, Roque said Duterte is also exercising his right of free speech.

“What you are seeing from the President – or what you saw for instance from the President last night – is also the exercise of free speech on the part of the President who feels that he has not been getting the right kind of treatment from the media,” he said.

Duterte is only expressing the need for fair reporting, according to Roque.

“But the President does not prohibit anyone from reporting, in the manner that they want to do so. Don’t feel insulted though if the President reacts – that’s also his constitutionally protected right. Patas lang po ’yan (It’s equal footing),” Roque said.

The presidential spokesman has classified Rappler as a “blog site,” after the SEC revoked its license to operate.

 He did not rule out that Rappler may have to seek accreditation from the Office of Assistant Secretary for Social Media Mocha Uson, who had been vocal against Rappler and its Malacañang beat reporter Pia Ranada in the past. – Christina Mendez