Marcos camp, SolGen question Comelec-Rappler poll partnership

The camp of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. questioned the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) partnership with online news site Rappler for the upcoming May polls.

Marcos' campaign manager, Benhur Abalos, sought clarification on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Comelec and Rappler, which reportedly allows Rappler to fact-check statements by candidates and embed its online precinct finder.

Solicitor General Jose Calida echoed these concerns, stating that the MOA violates the Constitution and relevant laws, and gave Comelec an ultimatum to rescind it within five days or face a court case.

Calida cited a 2018 SEC closure order against Rappler, which he instigated, to argue that the news site lacks the legal personality to enter into such an agreement.

Calida claimed the MOA unlawfully gives Rappler, a foreign entity, access to confidential data on registered voters and the power to decide the election.

Rappler countered that Comelec had similar partnerships with other media organizations and that the MOA is about disseminating truthful information and ensuring transparent elections, noting they have been partners with the poll body since 2013.