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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Comelec suspension of partnership 'regrettable', says Rappler; maintains agreement stands on 'solid legal ground'

Comelec suspension of partnership 'regrettable', says Rappler; maintains agreement stands on 'solid legal ground'

Published Mar 9, 2022 12:29 pm

Online news website Rappler found the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to suspend the implementation of its memorandum of agreement (MOA) with them to be "regrettable".

Comelec and Rappler logos

In a statement on Tuesday, March 8, Rappler said that they found no legal obstacles on the signed contract which was studied by the poll body's own layers. It maintained that the partnership agreement with the poll body stands on solid legal ground and is no different from previous agreements that the Comelec has had with Rappler every election since 2013.

Rappler said that it is "unfortunate" that Commissioner Socorro Inting, who signed off on the agreement as acting chairman less than two weeks ago, and who declared just a day ago that the commission would await the Supreme Court's decision on the matter, has gone ahead and unilaterally given instructions to set our agreement aside.

The agreement seeks to enhance voter engagement and fight disinformation in the coming polls. Under it, Rappler commits its resources to help Comelec disseminate helpful information and engage the public both online and offline.

“Given the allegations against Rappler and the subsequent filing of the Petition with the Supreme Court, it is judicious for the Commission to hold in abeyance the implementation of the provisions of the MOA until the issues are settled and/or decision of the court is rendered,” the memorandum, dated March 8 signed by Inting stated.

It was signed the same day that the new chairperson of the Comelec was sworn into office.

"It is equally lamentable that Rappler, as the other party to the agreement, was not officially informed about Commissioner Inting's memorandum beforehand," Rappler said.

"Instead, the information and memo were leaked to a TV station associated with disinformation and online attacks on journalists and independent media. We have not received an official copy of the memorandum as of 10 pm on Tuesday, March 8, four hours after it was leaked," it added.

SMNI News shared the document as a breaking news report on Tuesday at 5:48 p.m.

Rappler is asking the commission en banc to deliberate on the matter in the same way it did when it approved the MOA as a collegial body.

Related Tags

Rappler 2022 elections 2022 presidential elections comelec commissioner socorro inting 2022 polls Comelec 2022 national and local polls Commission on Elections (Comelec) 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS
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