Manila Bulletin
After OSG asked to drop partnership with Rappler, Comelec stresses its independence
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) emphasized its independence as a constitutional body after the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) urged it to terminate its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with news website Rappler.
Solicitor General Jose Calida claimed the MOA violates the Constitution and relevant laws, warning of a court case by March 7 if Comelec does not cancel the partnership by March 4.
Comelec acting Chairperson Socorro Inting stated the poll body is studying its options regarding the OSG's advisory.
The MOA, inked on Feb. 24, aims to combat disinformation and promote voter awareness, with Rappler alerting Comelec about false election-related claims and producing voter education content.
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended its voter information campaign deal with news site Rappler following a petition from the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
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The camp of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. questioned the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) partnership with online news site Rappler for the upcoming May polls.
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Solicitor General Jose Calida asked the Supreme Court to nullify the fact-checking agreement between news organization Rappler and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), arguing it constitutes "prior restraint" on freedom of speech.
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Newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Saidamen Pangarungan pledged to be an independent and conscientious "defender of democracy" and to uphold the "sanctity of vote and independence" of the poll body.
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