A Philippine news website whose license was revoked by the government on Tuesday vowed to fight attempts to shut it down, with its chief executive alleging that the move was politically motivated.
Maria Ressa of Rappler Inc said the decision by the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was the result of political pressure and not because the company violated constitutional rules on foreign ownership.
“This is a war of attrition.
“What is publicly stated is not what is privately going on behind the scenes, but that is what journalists do, we will shine the light,” Ressa said in an interview with CNN Philippines.”
The SEC said on Monday that it cancelled the incorporation papers of Rappler Inc and Rappler Holdings Corporation on Jan. 11 “for violating the constitutional and statutory foreign equity restriction in mass media.
Rappler has done extensive reporting on the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and its campaign against illegal drugs, which has left thousands dead.
It has detailed instances when killings appeared to be unwarranted.
It has also reported on internet trolls allegedly hired by Duterte’s camp, as well as the president’s scathing comments about international leaders and organisations including former U.S. president Barack Obama, the UN and the EU.
Press freedom advocates and rights activists lambasted the decision, reached just five months since the SEC began its formal investigation – as an attack on the Philippine media. (dpa/NAN)