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MANILA, Philippines – Amid the mixed reaction to the decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission to revoke Rappler’s license, a number of celebrities showed their support for the media company.
Musicians Cooky Chua, Bayang Barrios, Chino Singson of Itchyworms, filmmaker Quark Henares, and actress Agot Isidro have expressed their support by changing their profile photos.
On Twitter, former Apo Hiking Society member Jim Paredes has been constantly retweeting and also sharing his thoughts on the matter.
“#StandWithRAPPLER We have moved closer to dictatorship today. Stand up against oppression. There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.”
#StandWithRAPPLER We have moved closer to dictatorship today. Stand up against oppression. There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.
— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 15, 2018
Leah Navarro shared: “#StandWithRappler to decry the muzzling of news media by the Duterte admin! Instead of being accountable and open to criticism, Duterte hides like a coward behind the SEC.”
#StandWithRappler to decry the muzzling of news media by the Duterte admin! Instead of being accountable and open to criticism, Duterte hides like a coward behind the SEC.
— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) January 15, 2018
Actor Audie Gemora posted on his Facebook page: “Fight for Press Freedom.”
Respeto director Treb Monteras also changed his profile photo with the Rappler frame.
Former model and fashion editor Sarah Meier also shared her thoughts on the issue without mentioning the company’s name.
“I firmly support the upholding of the Constitution, freedom of speech, and due process.
“I want to have faith that revoking the license of an incredibly unflinching independent news outlet in the Philippines has nothing to do with the current administration’s fear of it.
“I trust the Solicitor General and the SEC understand the ramifications of pulling the rug out from under journalists exercising freedom of speech, versus a less incendiary approach in encouraging a constitutionally sound operation.
“Standing the line, speaking up; it’s scary. But silence is scarier. I believe so deeply in the Filipino people, who battle a generationally programmed complacency with an inherent warrior’s spirit. May this be channeled into a quest for truth, transparency, understanding, unity, and collective healing. Let’s take care of each other.”
Actress and former Rappler contributor Giselle Toengi also took to Twitter to express her support.
“I fully support @rapplerdotcom and it’s fight for #PressFreedom Government will try but can not and will not silence the truth!”
I fully support @rapplerdotcom and it’s fight for #PressFreedom Government will try but can not and will not silence the truth!
— Giselle Töngi (@gtongi) January 15, 2018
TV host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal tweeted: “The fourth estate. #DefendPressFreedom.”
The fourth estate. #DefendPressFreedom
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) January 15, 2018
Actor Bodjie Pascua, known to many as Kuya Bodjie of Batibot, also tweeted his support.
Huwag manahimik. Kalayaan ng pagpapahayag itaguyod, ipagtanggol. #StandWithRAPPLER
— Bodjie F. Pascua (@owlinthemoon) January 15, 2018
On the issue of press freedom, director Erik Matti tweeted: “This government has lost any kind of finesse subtlety and decency. Attack on the media, the justice system and the constitution without any guise of defensible reason but just plainly because they want to and that they can do it. I’m ashamed of what this country has become..”
This government has lost any kind of finesse subtlety and decency. Attack on the media, the justice system and the constitution without any guise of defensible reason but just plainly because they want to and that they can do it. I’m ashamed of what this country has become.
— Erik Matti (@ErikMatti) January 15, 2018
On Monday, the SEC announced that they have revoked Rappler’s license, saying that the company violated the Constitution because of a clause in an agreement with Omidyar Network, with regards to the issuing of Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRS).
The SEC claims that Omidyar is being given controlling powers through the PDRs, which violates the rule that all media companies should be 100% owned by Filipinos.
Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II announced on Wednesday, January 17, that the Department of Justice has formalized its investgation into the issue.
Media and rights groups have slammed the decision of the SEC, saying it was an attack on press freedom. – Rappler.com
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