Boom! The Philippine Government Just Revoked Rappler’s Operating License
In a surprise move last Monday, the Philippine government bounced Rappler’s operating license, waving the “American ownership” flag high and waiting for the gunfire to begin. The ruling, however, got a big thumbs‑down from critics who say this is another textbook attack on press freedom.
How the Mess Unfolded
- Rappler, a 2012‑born news titan, has been on the front lines of Philippine journalism—covering the drama, the scandals and the drug war that’s killed nearly 4,000 suspects.
- The government says Rappler Holdings Corp. smashed the constitution’s rule that media ownership must be 100% Filipino.
- In a spin that sounds tune‑in more than truth‑in, Duterte’s spokesperson, Harry Roque, declared: “This is not about press freedom. It’s about compliance with the law.”
- Chief managing editor Chay Hofilena bet the spotlight stays on Rappler—saying a court appeal is on the menu, and the government’s blow feels “pure harassment.”
- Rappler promises it will keep delivering news, holding the powerful to account, and shining a light on the government’s “lapses that further disempower the disadvantaged.”
Why Did the Government Say “No”?
The SEC’s fire‑starter ruling blamed Rappler’s issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts—essentially a fancy trick to keep foreign companies on the payroll. The commission labeled it a “deceptive scheme” to get past the constitution.
Owner‑Talk: Rumor mill & political wrangling
Earlier this year, Duterte called the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS‑CNN “sons of whores,” threatening karma and hinted at business deals that would topple these news giants. Sixty days on, the Inquirer owners were flirting with a sale—and a tycoon allied with Duterte was making moves to swoop in.
Other Voices Talking Back
- Amnesty International slammed the move as a “politically motivated decision” aimed at silencing independent writers.
- National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called for a united front—“let’s resist, fight back, and keep the voices alive.”
- Senator Risa Hontiveros labeled the ruling a “clear attack on press freedom.”
What’s Next? The Battle for the Press
By revoking Rappler’s license, the government is stoking a fiery debate on media independence that’s alive in every newsroom and online comment section. Whether the fight will end in a courtroom showdown or a public outcry, it’s clear that journalists are not going quietly—especially when the stakes are word‑and‑truth‑based.
In the end, the headline truth is that authorities are pushing a cartel of laws that may be easier to enforce than they are to justify. Stay tuned, because if you came for the headliners, you’re in for a long, spirited Netflix series of press‑freedom drama.
