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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider After OSG asked to drop partnership with Rappler, Comelec stresses its independence

After OSG asked to drop partnership with Rappler, Comelec stresses its independence

Published Mar 4, 2022 03:53 pm

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, March 4, emphasized that it is a constitutional and independent body.

This, after the poll body was asked by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to end its partnership with news website Rappler.

On Feb. 24, Comelec inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Rappler in a bid to fight disinformation and promote voter awareness during the election season.

Comelec/MB

“With respect to Rappler, well, we received an advisory from the solicitor general and we are still studying our options. I would like to emphasize that Comelec is a constitutional body and an independent body,” acting Comelec Chairperson Soccoro B. Inting said when asked during a press conference.

Saying the agreement between the news website and the Comelec “violates the Constitution and relevant laws”, Solicitor General Jose C. Calida has given the Comelec until March 4 to cancel its partnership with Rappler or else the OSG “may have to file the necessary case in court to declare the nullity of the MOA by 7 March 2022.”

The aforementioned agreement was also questioned by the National Press Club (NPC), saying the partnership is “unacceptable to most Filipinos.”

On Feb. 28, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez defended the poll body’s partnership with Rappler by saying the issue on the news website’s alleged foreign ownership is still on status quo.

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Rappler OSG Comelec SOLGEN elections 2022
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